The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC)

Bread wheat, the staple food for 35% of the world’s population and the most widely produced crop, is one of the most important crop species. Genomics offers powerful tools for understanding the molecular basis of phenotypic variation as well as accelerating gene cloning, marker assisted selection, and more efficient exploitation of genetic diversity. In 2005, a group of growers, breeders, and plant scientists launched the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) with the goal of securing a high quality, reference sequence of the bread wheat genome. The IWGSC facilitates and coordinates research projects and funding efforts at the national and international levels, develops and supports the design of research proposals, provides a framework for the establishment of common guidelines, protocols, and resources, and organizes scientific meetings and workshops. The IWGSC is governed by six co-chairs, a Coordinating Committee, and an executive director. General membership is open to any individual, laboratory, or entity with an active interest in meeting IWGSC objectives. The mission, goals, organizational structure, projects, and online membership registration are available at http://www.wheatgenome.org.  IWGSC activities are guided by a milestone-based strategy coupled with short and long-term roadmaps designed to provide breeders access to an increasing array of tools and resources without having to wait for the completed sequence. To reduce the complexity of the allohexaploid, highly repetitive, 17Gb bread wheat genome, the IWGSC follows a chromosome-specific approach to develop physical maps, low coverage sequencing, and high quality sequencing of the Minimum Tiling Paths before moving towards a gold standard reference sequence.  Physical maps have been completed or are underway for all 21 chromosomes of the reference cultivar, Chinese Spring. To facilitate anchoring, marker development, and to gain a first insight into the gene space composition, the IWGSC launched an internationally coordinated survey sequencing initiative that is providing breeders with survey sequences and the virtual gene order for all 21 chromosomes.  High quality, BAC-by-BAC sequencing of chromosome 3B was completed in 2011 and sequencing of other chromosomes is under way. 

Information on participation in the IWGSC as well as consortium activities and results will be presented.