Japan creates hard, high-yield rice varieties

Japanese scientists have just created a hard-leaf rice variety, which helps boost yields, reducing the amount of fertilizer used in fields.

Specifically, Tomoaki Sakamoto of Tokyo University and colleagues removed some individual genes in 34 different rice varieties. The goal is to avoid the creation of a transgenic variety (taking the desired genetic trait from other varieties).

One of these varieties lacks the OsDWARF4 - gene gene that controls the production of a growth chemical. The result is the same rice variety with normal leaves but very hard. Removing OsDWARF4 gene does not affect plant flowering and grain quality.

Scientists have been trying for a long time to create such a hard-seeded rice variety. They believe that the rice variety will increase yields.Hard leaf allows sunlight to shine down the leaves on the lowest part of the tree, boosting the photosynthesis process and thus increasing yields. Hard leaves also help farmers plant rice plants closer together without affecting the growth process.

Previous attempts to create such a rice variety, by removing some genes, have inhibited the growth of rice or produced poor quality seeds.

New rice varieties also help address excessive use of fertilizers. Its yield is 30% higher than that of conventional rice, but there is no need for the aid of daily fertilizer use.

Minh Son (According to Science)