Report of the meeting to discuss coordination of rice RFLP mapping (May 16, 1990)

It was the general consensus of the group that the maps developed by Tanksley's lab and by the Japanese group should be coordinated. Dr. Yano suggested that the groups exchange and map clones from the ends of each chromosome. Dr. Tanksley thought that this might be extended to 5-10 markers for each chromosome to provide a better correlation of the two maps.

The issue was raised of working from a common mapping population in the future. This would insure that all mapped clones could be ordered on a single cross. Currently both groups are working from vegetatively propagated populations. Dr. Yano indicated that they are considering exchanging mapping populations. Dr. Tanksley said that the Chinese scientists are developing doubled haploid populations that could be shared by scientists for RFLP mapping in the form of seed.

The question came up about probe availability. Clones developed in Tanksley's lab were supported by RF funding and are generally available. Japanese clones are not currently available, but once the paper has been published describing the map, they expect to be able to distribute a subset of the clones (approx. every 10-20 cm). Dr. Saito is the group leader of the Japanese RFLP mapping project. It was suggested that Dr. Tanksley write to the RFLP mapping group proposing specific methods for coordinating maps so that formal discussion of ideas can be discussed in Japan and to allow time for thoughtful responses.

Present were: M. Kawase, G. S. Khush, T. Kinoshita, S. McCouch, S. Tanksley, G. Toenniessen, M. Yano and A. Yoshimura

(by G. S. Khush)