
Photosynthesis 'Switch' Increases Rice Yields by 30%
November 19, 2014 |
Scientists from the University of Arkansas have found out that they can harness photosynthesis to increase rice yields by up to 30 percent. Led by Andy Pereira, the research group examined a protein that acts as a "switch" to activate genes that can enhance the photosynthesis activity of rice plants.
The researchers discovered that the protein, known as higher yield rice (HYR), could enable the plants to survive stress, thrive and increase productivity. Pereira said "The regulator HYR does regulate photosynthesis, a complex process. I saw in the greenhouse that the plants using the HYR regulator were much greener than any others. It was because of more chlorophyll, hence, higher photosynthesis."
Plants under stress shut down photosynthesis to stop producing reactive oxygen, which is damaging to them. This is where the HYR regulator protein comes in by keeping the whole photosynthesis machinery active and maintaining productivity, Pereira explained. The research showed that HYR increases photosynthesis, which increases sugars, increases biomass and finally leads to more grain yield among normal rice cultivars.
For more information, read the news release available at: http://newswire.uark.edu/articles/25952/rice-yield-increase-of-30-percent-enabled-by-use-of-a-photosynthesis-switch-researchers-learn.
|
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- IFPRI Releases Global Nutrition Report 2014
- Namibia Lays Groundwork to Legalize GMO
- Sudanese Farmers Reap Benefits from Bt Cotton
- Genome Duplication Secret to Plant Regeneration
- Judge Blocks Maui County from Banning GM Crops
- APHIS Deregulates GE Low-Lignin Alfalfa
- Bt Maize Could Boost Yields and Reduce Pesticide Use in Mexico
- Photosynthesis 'Switch' Increases Rice Yields by 30%
- GM Crops Save Lives in Asia, Agri Consultant Explains
- Crop Biotech for Resilience, Equity, and ASEAN Integration Tackled in Int'l Conference
- First Harvest of Biotech Corn Field Trials Completed in China
- Total Food Conference Aim for Reduction of Waste, Dev't of Valuable New Products, and Sustainability
-
Research Highlights
- Expression of CsALDH12A1 Confers Enhanced Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Genomic Tape Recorders Developed through E. coli
-
From the BICs
- UBIC Conducts Dialogue on Biotech with Religious Leaders
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (February 5, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (January 30, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet