A couple of months ago, we discussed current research aimed at improving rice yield. We heard of genes that helped grow bigger, fatter crops, we read about methods to aid rice growth in flood conditions, and we also learned how rice varieties could withstand drought conditions.

In the process of rice breeding, humans had removed certain variations of genes (alleles) from domesticated rice species. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows how a group of researchers, led by Scott. A. Jackson of Purdue University, traced a particular gene through the history of rice plant evolution. They picked a gene that produces a protein similar to ACR4 – a membeer of a protein family we discussed back in October that was responsible for creating root offshoots. The gene they choose, however, is responsible for creating stem offshoots. Researchers discovered a large number of variations in this gene within the domesticated and wild species of rice. This finding will allow for more extensive studies on the differences between domesticated and wild species of rice crops. The goal of this work will be to create new rice varieties that allow rice plants to reach their maximum potential. Feeding an every increasing human population is one of the biggest challenges of the agricultural industry. Studies such as these are crucial for ultimately creating crops with higher yield and improved efficiency.

Discussion Question: How could such areas of research be extended to other staple crops such as wheat?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090123164359.htm

Research Article: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/01/22/0812798106.full.pdf+html