9 Making Rice Genomics Work for Africa

108 (eds M.C.S. Wopereis et al.) Africa are already in place. These include diverse germplasm resources, reference genome sequences (RefSeq) for both wild and cultivated Oryza species, highand low-density SNP arrays and sequence-based genotyping platforms, co ordinated phenotyping networks, and models and strategies for using genomics information to predict phenotypic performance in a breeding programme. Given this foundation, the feasibility of implementing genomics-based breeding in African rice programmes ultimately depends on the ability to integrate large genotypic and phenotypic data sets in real time and the ability to practise rapid-cycle genotype-based selection. To meet this challenge, new types of data management, decision-support systems, and timely nursery management will be required, as well as new institutional partnerships, training programmes and coordinated research networks. Finally, genomics-facilitated selection can only improve breeding efficiency if useful models are developed linking DNA polymorphisms with plant performance in appropriate field environments. The challenge facing the next generation of rice researchers and breeders is to implement Introduction