The genomes of the reference varieties of Oryza sativa Japonica (cv. Nipponbare) and Indica (cv 93-11) were sequenced a few years ago. However, the genome sequence is just the starting point. For the data to be useful for research, requires a process called genome annotation. Annotation involves finding and defining the genes within the genome, and working out what functional roles those genes code for. The annotation usually involves several different software packages. The automated annotation and consensus building are followed by manual work to fix errors in gene structures and add gene function phenotype annotations.
The community is generating lots of data on pangenomes to platinum-level highest-quality genomes from multiple accessions (varieties) and species of Oryza genus. In order to analyze, compare and standardize the annotation, the PanOryza project aims to bring together international partners with a shared goal of creating consistency in the rice gene annotation across all rice varieties.