news bytes
GM RICE TO REDUCE
PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER USAGE helps in absorption of organic
phosphorus available in the soil.
The scientists
at National
Institute of
Plant Genome
Research
(NIPGR) have
developed the genetically modified
(GM) rice to improve uptake of
natural Phosphorus from the soil,
cutting down the use of artificial
phosphorus fertilizers. This enzyme increases organic
phosphorus absorption by ~50%
under controlled experimental
conditions and hence can help
reduce the cost of fertilizer use for
the farmer.
This GM rice has been produced by
introducing a gene called OsPAP21b
taken out from a traditional rice
genotype called Dular, found in
states like West Bengal, Bihar and
Assam.
Supported by the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), the study
showed that OsPAP21b plays
important role in improving growth
on organic phosphorus substrate
through better phosphate uptake
and utilization.
The paper published in
Plant Biotechnology Journal
demonstrated that introduction
of the gene produces an enzyme,
which when secreted into the soil
through the roots of the rice plant
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BioVoiceNews | July 2017
NEW INNOVATIONS MUST REACH
TRIBAL AREAS TO MAKE THEIR
AGRICULTURE SUSTAINABLE
Union Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan
Singh said that in last three years,
tribal farmers submitted more
than 5,000 plant varieties through
KVKs for registration at Protection
of Plant Variety and Farmers
Rights Authority. This will play an
important role in the development
of climate resilient and sustainable
varieties in future. Mr Singh stated
it on the occasion of “National
Workshop on Empowerment of
Farmers of Tribal Areas” held in
New Delhi, today. Union Minister
of Tribal Affairs, Mr Jual Oram was
also present on the occasion.
The Agriculture Minister said that
new technological innovations in
agriculture must reach to the fields
of tribal areas but before taking