Rice genomics: Present and future

A review of the present and future of rice genomics is presented. Rice is a model species for cereals as well as a very important crop. Its genome has been the focus of many mapping experiments associated with QTL localizatio n. These genetic maps now serve as a background for physical mapping, genom e sequencing and gene discovery. Recent progress are reviewed. The next ste p in rice genomics is functional genomics with the determination of the fun ction of the penes. The most straightforward approaches are discussed.. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.