Philippine, US researchers discover flood resistant rice gene

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2006

MANILA (AFP) — Researchers in the Philippines and the United States have isolated a gene that will enable rice to survive flooding.

The breakthrough -- which could improve harvests for 70 million of the world's poorest people -- was announced in a statement from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos outside Manila.

The statement said a team of researchers at IRRI and the University of California had isolated the gene that will enable the cereal to survive while completely submerged.

"The discovery allows for the development of new rice varieties that can withstand flooding, thus overcoming one of agriculture's oldest challenges and offering relief to millions of poor rice farmers around the world," the statement said.

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