KAMALA: The First Gene-edited Variety Ready for Cultivation in India

Researchers from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research have discovered that a specific gene in rice, called CKX2, acts like a "brake" on grain production by breaking down growth hormones. To help the popular Indian rice variety Samba Mahsuri produce more yield, researchers found a way to fine-tune the CKX2 gene. The results are published as a preprint in BioRxiv.

Improving food security in Asia and Africa depends heavily on finding ways to grow more crops on the same amount of land. This led the researchers to use CRISPR gene editing to make precise, subtle changes in the function of the CKX2 gene.

Results showed that the gene-edited rice called KAMALA produced an average of 19% more grain than Samba Mahsuri. Furthermore, it matures earlier, allowing farmers to potentially clear their fields sooner for the next cropping season. To ensure reliable performance, KAMALA was tested across 18 different locations in India and documented favorable results for three years. Importantly, the grain quality remains the same as the original variety, even after cooking.

KAMALA is the first gene-edited rice variety officially registered for cultivation by Indian farmers, setting the path for improving other crop varieties using CRISPR for a more stable food supply.

Read the abstract in BioRxiv.