IRRI Plant Pathology and Host Resistance Group acquires genomic sequencing platform for developing disease resistance in rice crops

In the past six years, the Plant Pathology and Host Resistance Group has been outsourcing its genomic sequencing to explore the complexities of rice pathogens as part of its work, notably on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae pathogen, responsible for rice bacterial leaf blight. The pathogen's diversity and complex genomes necessitate complete sequencing for comprehensive understanding. The group also focuses on false smut, neck/leaf blast, brown spot, and tungro diseases requiring the need for new genomic information for understanding rice-pathogen interactions. 

Michael, an MS student, practicing the MinION™ sequencing workflow

The Integration of the MinION™ sequencing technology from Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd. in its laboratory enables IRRI researchers to establish important genomic information on common rice diseases at a faster rate. Ultimately, it will further advance the institute’s effort in developing DNA-based tools for accurate disease identification, uncovering genetically based resistance in specific rice varieties, and improving effective strategies for deploying disease-resistant rice varieties.

To maximize the application of nanopore sequencing, the Plant Pathology and Host Resistance Group conducted a comprehensive internal end-user training and an initial sequencing run on 05-06 March 2024. Dr. Van ScheplerLuu, head of the IRRI Plant Pathology Laboratory; assistant scientists Genelou Grande and Dale Pinili, and MS student Michael Urzo were trained by Prof. Andrew Montecillo from the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

This joint effort marks a step toward advancing scientific knowledge and sustaining the resilience of rice cultivation through state-of-the-art genomic analysis.

The MinION™, a small device capable of providing genome information