Get ready for another, larger Green Revolution. China experts identify gene for yield, height in rice:
Scientists in China have identified a single gene that appears to control rice yield, as well as its height and flowering time, taking what may be a crucial step in global efforts to increase crop productivity.In an article published in Nature Genetics, the researchers said they were able to pinpoint a single gene, Ghd7, which appears to determine all three traits.
Previous studies identified a region on chromosome 7 which seemed to be responsible, but they were not able to zero in on any specific gene.
“Our study shows that a single gene can control several traits with major effects. It can double the yield, determine flowering time and plant height,” said Zhang Qifa of the Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan province in China.