Bangladeshi scientists decode jute genome

Scientists in Bangladesh have succeeded in decoding or sequencing of traditional variety of the jute genome after months of hectic and secretive research, that will enable the country to own all the genetic documents of the natural fibre, it was announced today.
"Our scientists have decoded the jute genome. The mystery of jute's life cycle is now in our hands," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told a press conference here.
She added that initiatives were now underway to lodge Bangladesh's Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over the jute genome sequencing as the scientific achievement came amid tough competition from other countries.
Bangladeshi-American scientist Maqsudul Alam, who led a consortium of researchers, succeeded in achieving the success more than a year after the team decoded the Jute Plant Draft Genome.

Experts say, a genome sequence allows scientists to identify and understand how genes work together for the plant's different features like growth, development and maintenance as an entire organism and enable them to manipulate the genes and enhance, reduce or add certain features of the plant.
Alam, a professor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, achieved four milestones in genomics - sequencing the genomes of papaya, rubber, jute and fungus.

Bangladesh is the world's largest producer of jute, producing over 1.5 million tonnes in 2011.
Jute was once called Bangladesh's "golden fibre" as it was the country's main export-earning product until early 1970s and it has reappeared as a crucial resource in the campaign for environmental friendliness.

Bangladesh earned USD 1.6 billion alone last year by exporting jute and the amount was around USD 3 billion in the past three years while the premier said massive initiatives were underway for diversified use of jute in different sectors as a biodegradable product.
"The announcement may not appear very significant to you today, but it is a very big achievement for the country's future generations," Hasina said.