International Sunflower Genomic Initiative (ISGI)
Ruth A. Heinz1 and Carlos Sala2
1
Instituto de Biotecnología, CICVyA, INTA Castelar, N. Repetto y Los Reseros S/N (1686) Hurlingham,
Buenos Aires, Argentina, rheinz@cnia.inta.gov.ar
2
Departamento de Biotecnología, Nidera S.A., Ruta 8 Km376. 2600 Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe Argentina,
csala@nidera.com.ar
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ISGI (“International Sunflower Genomic Initiative”) is conceived as an informal international
organization to provide support in the coordination of research efforts in molecular genetics,
genomics and genetic analysis in sunflower and related Helianthus species. The aims of ISGI
are: 1. Join efforts and share tools derived from genomics and post-genomics disciplines for
sunflower and related species and contribute to their application in different fields. “Join efforts”
involves bringing together researchers with common objectives from different groups and
institutions all over the world to avoid duplication of research efforts and add positive
interactions. “Share tools" means making available to the community all kinds of genetic
material (inbred lines, mapping populations, RILs, tilling populations, NILs, trisomics, among
others) and molecular tools (clones, sequences, probes, primers, protocols, biomarkers,
bioinformatic tools, relational databases, etc.) as well as platform facilities for high throughput
genotyping and post-genomic analysis as next generation sequence platforms, microarrays and
mass spectrometry techniques. “Contribute to their applications” involves all the disciplines that
make use of genomics and post genomics tools and information, such as breeding, physiology,
pathology, genetic resources, etc. 2. Ensure availability of data and information on sunflowers
genomics and post-genomics to all researchers. This involves the presentation of preliminary
results on an annual basis, doctoral or postdoctoral projects, or unpublished methods and
protocols. 3. Provide a framework for accessing and facilitating international research
collaborations. 4. Help keep sunflower research at the cutting edge of basic and applied genetic
research.
The first meeting of ISGI will be held within the frame of the XVIII International Sunflower
Conference. All the groups participating at this meeting will have the opportunity to present their
main research areas and the resources that can be shared with the community. A preliminary
survey of interested groups willing to participate showed a general worldwide interest in the
ISGI and allowed the organization of the first meeting as a workshop encompassing three main
modules, according to the research field, including: Genetic Diversity / Genetic Resources/
Genomics; Phenotyping/ Genotyping/ Mapping/ Association Mapping; Molecular and cell
biology/ molecular cytogenetis/ tissue culture and transgenesis/ post genomics; Bioinformatics/
databases.
General ISGI proposals contemplates presentation and discussion of sunflower research results
annually within the frame of the PAG Conference (Plant and Animal Genome Conference, San
Diego, CA), and every 4 years an update can be presented in the International Sunflower
Conferences. Likewise, it is proposed that a website will be initiated in order to (a) list the
research groups active on sunflowers genomics and post-genomics and their main research
projects, (b) publish community resources (genetic materials, tools), marker assisted selection
methods for sunflower breeding (MASUN), and other protocols; and (c) Integrate public
information available in genetics, genomics, phenomics and post genomics in a relational
database.
The consolidation of ISGI will be helpful to strengthen research and knowledge worldwide on
sunflower genomics and related fields as well as to the development of key tools for application
in breeding programs and exploration of genome diversity.
Keywords: genomics, post genomics, molecular genetics, Helianthus, mapping, diversity