Ingenious genes
To create the resilient rice, plant experts painstakingly picked out the gene that makes a few rice plants survive a soaking naturally. Then they introduced this gene - called Sub1A - into existing varieties.
By combining the 'waterproofing' Sub1A gene with a high-yielding variety of Indian rice, the scientists created a plant with the best of both: high yield and underwater resistance.
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Image: International Rice Research Institute |
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