MRB is embarking on a project pertaining to the sequencing of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) genome. This new development was recently announced by the Honourable Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok. This is the first extensive analysis of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) genome. The project is being conducted by MRB’s research centre in United Kingdom, the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC), in collaboration with the newly opened Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) based at the Norwich Research Park, Norwich, England. The success of this sequencing project will ultimately lead to rubber trees having improved productivity. The programme is planned to produce a first draft sequence in early 2010.
For this programme, a Hevea brasiliensis latex-timber clone, from the RRIM 900 series has been selected. The RRIM 900 clonal series was developed by the MRB to produce both high yields of natural rubber latex and rubberwood timber. These two strategically important commodities are of increasing importance to the world’s economy as sustainability of such renewable resources is becoming a key consideration.
Funding for the project will be provided by TARRC and will utilise the extensive facilities at TGAC as well as those in TARRC’s recently established Biotechnology Unit. To meet the major challenge posed by the size and anticipated complexity of Hevea genome, a combination of different sequencing platforms will be used to produce a high degree of genome coverage to maximise the quality of sequencing and assembly.