A team of Chinese researchers from Huazhong Agricultural University has made a significant discovery by identifying a crucial gene, GY3, that plays a pivotal role in enhancing rice yields. This breakthrough provides a valuable genetic resource for the development of high-yield rice varieties.
The GY3 gene, when present, has the remarkable ability to amplify the number of grains per panicle, leading to an approximate 10 percent increase in rice yield. The gene achieves this by regulating the synthesis of cytokinin, a plant hormone that influences growth and development.
According to Xing Yongzhong, the lead researcher from the university, the GY3 gene is present in about 98 percent of japonica rice and 21 percent of indica rice. Interestingly, many of the popular indica rice varieties currently cultivated lack the GY3 gene, suggesting that breeders have not yet leveraged its potential in indica rice breeding.
The research findings hold significant implications for rice cultivation. The study highlights GY3 as a pivotal gene for enhancing the yield of indica rice varieties. By harnessing the power of this gene, researchers anticipate a substantial improvement in the yield of indica rice.
The outcomes of this research were recently published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Genetics, signifying the significance of this breakthrough in the field of agricultural genetics.
Source: Xinhua News Agency