Respiratory mutation techniques to create protein-rich rice varieties

The respiratory mutation method was successfully implemented by a team of Vietnamese scientists, creating a new rice variety with good qualities.

Selection of starting materials are two pure Vietnamese rice varieties (including pure sticky rice and Northern commercial rice in Vietnam), a research team led by Assoc. Prof. Tran Dang Xuan, Hiroshima University has found a mutation method. The new rice variety has the advantage of nutritional value and outstanding yield. The induction mutation method was published by the research team in the Agriculture Science Journal of MDPI on September 27.

The experiments were used with a very small amount of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) chemicals to create mutations. The method of creating a new strain of rice governs nutritional indicators and creates a valuable gene of purpose. Test results after 5 months, length of rice increased 3-6 cm and grain size increased by 0.5-1mm, protein and lipid content increased from 6.6 to 7.0% and 7.7-10 , 7%. In which, the amylose content in rice grain is significantly reduced. Rice varieties with high amylose content usually mature, dry and hard rice.

The change in size and color of two pure Vietnamese rice varieties gives the F2 generation (K2, K4) by induction mutation method.

Previously in order to breed a new rice strain, scientists often applied Mendel's common genetic theory such as: individual selection, using the hybrid advantage of F1 rice. The process of breeding in this way between two breeds takes 8-10 years.

Mutation hybridization has also been used by using gamma rays. This method, although increasing the length of the rice, reduces the number and yield of rice grains and only interferes with the few necessary traits (aromatic rice seeds, nutrition index, pest resistance .).

The above disadvantages have been overcome by the respiratory mutation method when shortening the breeding time to only 2 years, the rice plants have higher yield, the quality of soft, fragrant and elongated rice. Especially, this method is applied on pure rice varieties in Vietnam, promising to create rice varieties with valuable properties in terms of quality and resistance to pests, floods and drought.

Over the years, Assoc. Prof. Tran Dang Xuan and his colleagues have studied mutant methods to create new varieties and elite genes to improve rice yield. Previously, the research team studied from a respiratory mutation method that allowed rice to be inherited according to the mother gene, yielding 30 tons / ha.

Associate Professor Tran Dang Xuan said the method of respiratory mutation allows finding and creating many precious genes, promising a breakthrough in rice breeding and crop breeding.