Rice Enzyme Helps Break Down Harmful Herbicide Residues

Experts from Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China have identified a rice enzyme that helps plants break down two widely used herbicides. The study focuses on CYP709B2, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that plays a central role in the detoxification and catabolism of herbicides isoproturon and atrazine.

The researchers found that CYP709B2 becomes active when rice plants are exposed to these herbicides. In this study, the rice plants that were modified to overexpress the enzyme showed significant resistance to both herbicides, with improved growth and accumulated much lower levels of isoproturon and atrazine. In contrast, rice plants in which the gene was disabled using CRISPR were more sensitive to the chemicals and showed higher herbicide accumulation.

The researchers conclude that CYP709B2 is a key enzyme driving metabolic detoxification and degradation of isoproturon and atrazine in rice. The findings demonstrate a promising method to reduce chemical residues in crops and the environment.

For more information, read the abstract from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.