Biotech Updates

Scientists Identify Gene that Can Lower Cadmium Content in Rice

January 9, 2013

Scientists from the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences have identified the responsible gene for reduced Cadmium (Cd) uptake. Cd is a toxic element which is present in crops such as rice and wheat. The plants accumulate the element present in the soil, as a result of its natural occurrence from application of cadmium-containing fertilizers and waste from industrial discharges. The team also identified three rice mutants with grains containing less than 0.05 mg of Cd per kilogram.

The research team used DNA marker to transfer the low-Cd trait into other cultivars. The result of the study is hoped to contribute to reduction of Cd content in rice and its risk via the food-chain.

View the University of Tokyo's news release at  http://www.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp/english/topics/2012/20121221-4.html.