Development of Golden Indica Rice Varieties

Researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines discussed in their review paper the progress toward the development of Golden Rice IR64 and BR29, both indica rice types. The transgenic rice lines express b-carotene and other carotenoids in its endosperm resulting to the observed yellow-orange color.

The IRRI researchers presented results of screenhouse evaluations conducted in the Philippines and Bangladesh of the rice varieties Golden IR64 and Golden BR29. The transgenics were found to have enhanced carotenoid content compared to control varieties but are similar in other agronomic characters, such as plant height, days to flowering, seed set, 100-seed weight and total biomass. The levels of b-carotene in the transgenic IR64 and BR29 were determined to be 2.32 μg/g and 9.34 μg/g, respectively.

The researchers assert that further research to determine bioavailability and grain quality needs to be conducted in larger field tests. In addition, the freedom to operate in Southeast Asia will speed up the delivery of the golden rice to consumers who will benefit most. The abstract in the journal Euphytica, with links to the full article for subscribers, can be accessed at http://www.springerlink.com/content/b5r6781167t7115n/