CRISPR Rice from NIPGR Takes Up More Phosphorus, Yields More
Why in the news
Gene-edited japonica rice from NIPGR could cut reliance on phosphate fertilisers, particularly in phosphorus-poor soils.
Key facts
- Only 15-20% of applied phosphate is absorbed; rest is lost through leaching or runoff.
- India is highly import-dependent for phosphate fertilisers.
How the edit works
- Transporter OsPHO1;2 moves phosphate from root to shoot.
- OsWRKY6 suppresses it; a full knockout hurt growth.
- Removing just the promoter binding site boosted OsPHO1;2 in roots and kept other repressor roles.
Results
| Parameter | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Shoot phosphate | Higher |
| Panicles and seeds | More |
| Yield | +20% at recommended P; +40% at 10% P |
| Seed quality | Normal |
About japonica rice
- Also called sinica rice, an Oryza sativa type with short, round, sticky grains.
- Mainly grown in Japan, Korea and China; suits sushi, unlike long-grained indica.
Exam angle
- Institute: NIPGR; tool: CRISPR-Cas9.