Rice genome sequencing has made it possible to establish a catalogue of its similar to 35,000 genes and of its transposable elements. This genome is both a reference and a tool for discovering gene functions, understanding its general organisation and for progressing in our knowledge of other cereal genomes. Development of next generation sequencing technologies has revolutionized analysis of the biodiversity of both cultivated varieties and related wild species. It has considerably boosted the analysis of the evolution of the Oryza genus, as well as of other cereals. It provides a fantastic genotyping tool and opens avenues for isolating and characterizing an ever-increasing number of important genes, some of which are already manipulated in breeding programmes.