Nitrogen Use Efficient Rice Shows Promising Field Performance

Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency assessed the field performance and nitrous oxide emissions of nitrogen use efficient rice (Kitaake NUE). Their findings are published in the latest issue of Transgenic Research.

Majority of the input for rice production is nitrogen fertilizers. However, excessive application may lead to environmental pollution. GM rice with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency will significantly contribute to sustainable rice productions. Thus, transgenic rice expressing barley gene (HvAlaAT) was developed to confer NUE trait.

Upon assessment of Kitaake NUE's performance by the researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency, a boost in grain yield and nitrogen uptake was observed, leading to higher nitrogen use efficiency while maintaining lower nitrous oxide fluxes. With the favorable findings, the researchers concluded that Kitaake NUE could help improve the nitrogen use efficiency of rice in tropical conditions.

Read the research article for more details.