Gene-edited Indica Rice Exhibits Basmati Aroma

Scientists from Texas Tech University and partners reported the successful use of gene editing to induce basmati aroma in non-scented indica rice IR-64. Their results are published in Plant Physiology Reports.

Aroma is one of the vital traits in rice and a key determinant for pricing. Studies have revealed that rice aroma is controlled by a recessive mutation in the betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (OsBADH2) gene that results in the synthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP). However, the non-scented rice IR-64 carries a functional OsBADH2 gene, and knocking it out could induce the aroma.

The OsBADH2 gene-targeting single guide RNA was delivered into IR-64 through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Analysis of the rice grains confirmed induction of 2AP, but observed a reduction in yield-related characteristics. The findings of the study established the successful use of gene editing techniques to induce rice aroma.

Read the research article in Plant Physiology Reports.