BEIJING: Chinese scientists have discovered a way to alter the genes of the rice plant to produce 40 percent more crops.
The team, led by Wenbin Zhou, a plant biologist at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, found in the research that the genetic modification would allow plants to absorb more fertilizer, increase photosynthesis and flower faster.
.jpg)
The researchers continued these experiments for three years at temperatures ranging from moderate to hot. Scientists are hopeful that the 'supercharged' technique can be used on other crops as well.
Scientists believe the discovery could solve the problem of global food shortages caused by population growth and conflict.
A paper published in the scientific journal 'Science' details that to achieve the desired yield increase and to make agriculture more sustainable, genetic engineering efforts are necessary to increase crop yields with higher photosynthetic capacity and improved nitrogen utilization. New types of crops can be found.
Improved photosynthesis has been shown to be useful for increased crop yields, although genetically modified foods have faced opposition from consumers and regulators over the years.
