News Breeding
RNA technique significantly increases potato yield
Scientists have discovered that changes in the RNA can significantly increase the yield of potatoes. In addition, with this technique the crop can be made more resistant to drought.
In the research carried out by the universities of Chicago, Beijing and Guizhou, the RNA was intervened with the FTO protein. Potatoes and also rice gave 50% more yield in field tests because of this adjustment. The modified plants grew larger than the untreated plants and developed a longer root system, making them more drought resistant. Analysis also showed that the rate of photosynthesis was higher.
Adjustment in reading DNA
RNA molecules 'read' the code stored in the DNA (the hereditary material of the cell) and then form a protein that performs tasks in the plant. RNA turns out not only to read the DNA code, but also to make a selection. This works with chemical markers that modulate how many and which proteins are made. The FTO protein erases some of those chemical markers in the RNA.
The technique the scientists used suppresses (partially) the signals in the plant that inhibit growth. Rice and potatoes are completely different plant families and the same effects are seen in both. The scientists expect this technique to work on more crops.
New technique
"This is a completely new approach that differs from genetic modification (GMO) and CRISPR-Cas," University of Chicago professor Chuan He said on the university's site. "With this technique, early in development we operate a switch in the plant that continues to operate even after we remove the switch. The next step is to investigate and understand how this process can be influenced with the genetics present in the plant. material," said He.
"It is a promising technique that has the potential to play an important role in food security and poverty reduction on a global scale," said Professor Micheal Kremer at the University of Chicago site. "In addition, we may be able to adapt crops to the changed climate."
The research is published in the Nature Biotechnology and is here to read.
Boerenbusiness organizes a round table discussion at the beginning of September about the future of potato cultivation and the chip market. Prominent companies in the sector are joining us. Do you have questions for the experts on this subject? Send them to before August 25th d.ballast@boerenbusiness. Nl
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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