Breakthrough in Breeding Transgenetic RiceChinese scientists have recently bred a new type of trans-genetic rice which can stand arid and alkali soil.This is expected to increase rice yield especially in the areas facing water deficiency. Led by professor Zhu Baocheng, researchers in northern China's Hebei University first pick up a gene called proline synzyme, which is then injected into floating cells of rice. With the proline synzyme accumulating in the cells, the rice show more resistance against drought and salina environment. Related experiments indicate that in arid and alkali soil the yield of transgenetic rice falls by 20 to 30 percent while the yield of normal speies usually falls by more than 40 percent. In a rough environment, the new rice can grow well with considerable steady genetic characteristics. So far the scientists have received the fourth generation of the genetically modified rice. The research has been also assented recently by authoritative experts with Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Fan Yunliu, academician of CAS, said that the achievement keeps the leading position in the world and is of vital importance to northern China, which has lots of salinas and harried by serious water deficiency. |
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