TRANSPOSON TAGGING IN RICE

To develop an efficient gene isolation method for rice we introduced t he maize Ac/Ds system into rice. Extensive analysis of their behavior in rice for several generations indicated that Ac and Ds in the presen ce of Ac transposase gene actively transpose in rice. A wide spectrum of mutations affecting growth, morphogenesis, flowering time and disea se resistance have been obtained in the population carrying Ac/Ds and some of them were genetically analyzed. Main efforts are currently bei ng made to isolate genes responsible these mutations. In addition, a n umber of Ac/Ds were mapped on chromosomes and mapped elements will be used in the future for directed tagging of genes with known chromosoma l positions.