Update on the genomics and basic biology of Brachypodium. International Brachypodium Initiative (IBI)

The scientific presentations at the First International Bra-chypodium Conference (abstracts available at http://www.brachy2013.unimore.it) are evidence of the wide-spread adoption of Brachypodium distachyon as a model system. Furthermore, the wide range of topics presented (genome evolution, roots, abiotic and biotic stress, com-parative genomics, natural diversity, and cell walls) demonstrates that the Brachypodium research commu-nity has achieved a critical mass of tools and has transi-tioned from resource development to addressing biological questions, particularly those unique to grasses. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.