Abstract: The rapid development of omics provides new technologies and methodologies for the study of invasion biology. Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (CAAS-AGIS) and Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS-IPP) initiated the “IAS1000 project” (A genome project of 1000 invasive alien species) and established the “IAS1000 alliance” in Shenzhen on November 14, 2018. Via deep-mining of omics data, the project aims for better understanding the ecological processes and molecular mechanisms of biological invasion, and developing new technologies and products for prevention and management of invasive alien species. Up to now, there have been more than 40 research institutes, universities and enterprises participating in this project, forming an omics team with multi-disciplinary members.

The main tasks of “IAS1000 project” include: (i) building a global collaboration platform for an in-depth research on molecular mechanisms of invasiveness; (ii) developing new technologies and products for prevention and control of invasive alien species, including RNA interference, gene editing, molecular pesticides with specific target carried by new physical/chemical materials, intelligent recognition of molecular odor, utilization of molecule-induced immunity, creation of new vaccines, and the restorer of soil ecological network; (iii) cultivating new elite talents in the integrated subjects encompassing omics, invasion biology, entomology and botany, etc.