Genetic code of harmful fungus cracked

Dhaka, Sep 19 A group of Bangladeshi scientists has sequenced the DNA make-up of a fungus harmful to 500 plants including jute.
"Our scientists, led by Maqsudul Alam, have discovered the genome sequence of a fungus which is harmful to plants," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told Parliament on Wednesday.
She congratulated the scientists on their findings and added that the plants can now be saved from infection.
She said the findings were published in the BMC Genomics journal on Wednesday and added the researchers have applied for five patents.
"On Jun 16, 2010, I informed the country and the world of our scientists unveiling the genome sequence of jute. A research project headed by Professor Maqsudul Alam had made the discovery.
"This time, the scientists have unveiled the genome sequence of the fungus," Hasina said and added that the feat will certainly enrich world knowledge.
The Prime Minister said the discovery was indeed a great achievement and set an example that Bangladesh could also contribute to the global quest for knowledge.
Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali, who was presiding over the session, also congratulated the scientists of behalf of Parliament.