Rice genomics era received the public attention in 1999 by the country's taking the lead in sequencing the rice chromosome 9 along with 10 other international groups. The International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) finally succeeded and released the whole rice genome sequence to the public. Rice Gene Discovery Unit (RGDU) was established in 2001 through the close collaboration between the National Center for Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology (Biotec) and Kasetsart University and is located at Kasetsart University, Khamphaengsaen Campus, Nakhon Prathom. The Unit's prime objective is to establish itself in the forefront of the Genomic technologies. The RGDU aims to develop important genomic tools for discovery genes underlying economic traits in rice.

By following-up and translating genomics in a practical term, rice breeding can become more predictable and highly efficient. On building up the research capacity in Thailand. RGDU will make its in-house genomic tools for public-free access and coordinate researchers from different to work in networking.

Source: RGD & RSC