(go to NO.93 Contents)


Editorial remarks

WIS No.93 contains 7 research and 3 information articles, in addition to 21 pages of Gene Catalogue (2001 supplement). The decision to have a wheat gene catalogue was made at the Third International Wheat Genetics Symposium held in Canberra in 1968. At the symposium Dr. R. A. McIntosh was appointed as a coordinator, and the first catalogue was publicized at the Fourth Symposium at Columbia Mo., USA in 1973, which included 328 citations. Since then, various wheat researches arches have been achieved, and numbers of references cited in the present supplement reaches 1882. Recently more than 120 articles have been added annually. Dr. McIntosh have mentioned in the preface of the 1998 issue "If the Catalogue is to continue it is essential to link it to a database capable of rapid updating". The present Catalogue was prepared in a way that should expedite transfer to such a system. The Catalogue is never complete. Information can always be added - the problem is what information, and what form. Yes indeed, and WIS is willing to support his idea and proposal by continuing publication of supplement issues every year. At the same time, a Japanese database group KOMUGI (http://www.shigen.nig.ac.jp/wheat.html) has started to construct a database of the gene catalogue through a web interface. Already GrainGenes (http://wheat.pw.usda.gov) and KOMUGI have referred this gene catalogue on their cites, but not yet linked to map information nor genetic stocks. Send us about ideas for construction of a wheat gene catalogue database.

WIS will keep functioning for exchange of information on wheat genetics and breeding. At the present time, we have constantly received contribution papers, and the average acceptance for publication is about 60%. The category of Research Information is on the base of non-reviewing system and would like to be published more frankly. We appreciate deeply your donation. In the year of 2001, we have received it from 72 persons. On TV news, frequently the landscapes of Afghanistan appear. Some wheat researchers may worry about the wild habitat of Aegilops species. We hope peace and safe in the world.

December, 2001
The Editors of WIS


(go to NO.93 Contents)