Pigmented rice, including black, brown, and red varieties, possesses a wealth of essential microelements like iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. These nutrient-rich grains hold significant potential for addressing malnutrition and promoting human health. However, to ensure widespread acceptance among farmers, improved agronomic traits and higher yields are necessary.
To tackle this challenge, researchers at KAUST are employing genomic studies and CRISPR technology to enhance the characteristics of pigmented rice varieties. Their primary focus revolves around transforming the black Indonesian rice Cempo Ireng into a shorter, earlier maturing variant, thereby increasing its appeal to farmers. Furthermore, their upcoming project aims to enhance the productivity of Hassawi rice, a red rice strain indigenous to Saudi Arabia that holds both cultural and economic significance in the region.
Under the leadership of Magdy Mahfouz and Khalid Sedeek, an international team has demonstrated that desirable agronomic traits like shorter stem length and early maturity can be introduced into black rice. The initial step toward achieving these improvements involved collecting comprehensive genomic information. While the genomes of several japonica and indica rice varieties have been assembled, only a few pigmented varieties possess full genome sequences. In this study, three black and two red rice varieties underwent whole-genome sequencing, while an additional 46 varieties were sequenced to detect further genetic variation.
To identify candidates for improvement, the researchers analyzed the composition of these varieties, focusing on their superior nutrition. They screened 63 black, red, and brown rice varieties, with black rice exhibiting the most favorable nutrient content across various compounds such as carbohydrates, amino acids, secondary metabolites, lipids, peptides, and vitamins. Pigmented rice, particularly black rice, also boasts high levels of essential microelements like iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. The black Indonesian rice Cempo Ireng, in particular, stands out as the richest in iron and the most zinc-rich black rice genotype, potentially meeting daily requirements for these vital elements.
Leveraging nutrient and metal-ion profiles, the researchers identified several nutrient-rich varieties with elevated levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds and elements. One such variety was Cempo Ireng. Despite its pest and disease resistance, farmers hesitate to cultivate it due to its long stem and five-month life cycle. To address this, Sedeek established a regeneration and transformation system in Cempo Ireng and employed CRISPR/Cas 9 to eliminate three flowering time repressors, resulting in a shorter and earlier maturing variant.
By enhancing the agronomic traits of pigmented rice varieties, the potential for their widespread cultivation and integration into the food chain increases. However, Mahfouz acknowledges the need for further research to ascertain whether these engineered traits can coexist harmoniously with other crucial traits, such as yield, in pigmented rice.
Nonetheless, this research presents invaluable resources for crop bioengineers and breeders, empowering them to continue improving pigmented rice and harness its immense potential for human health benefits. Moving forward, Mahfouz and his team have set their sights on improving Hassawi rice, a local red rice variety highly valued in Saudi Arabia. Through the utilization of CRISPR technology, they aim to enhance its productivity and other essential traits to cater to the unique demands of the local Saudi market.
Reference: “Multi-omics resources for targeted agronomic improvement of pigmented rice” by Khalid Sedeek, Andrea Zuccolo, Alice Fornasiero, Annika M. Weber, Krishnaveni Sanikommu, Sangeetha Sampathkumar, Luis F. Rivera, Haroon Butt, Saule Mussurova, Abdulrah
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about genomic innovation in rice
What is the focus of the research mentioned in the text?
The research mentioned in the text focuses on improving pigmented rice varieties through genomic studies and the use of CRISPR technology. The aim is to enhance their nutritional value and agronomic traits, making them more appealing to farmers and addressing issues of malnutrition.
Why are black, brown, and red rice considered more nutritious than white rice?
Black, brown, and red rice varieties are considered more nutritious than white rice because they contain higher levels of essential microelements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. Additionally, they exhibit a wide range of beneficial compounds, including carbohydrates, amino acids, secondary metabolites, lipids, peptides, and vitamins.
How are the researchers using CRISPR technology to improve pigmented rice?
The researchers are using CRISPR technology to introduce desirable agronomic traits into pigmented rice varieties. For example, they have focused on transforming black rice into a shorter and earlier maturing variant. By targeting specific genes using CRISPR/Cas9, they aim to enhance traits like stem length and maturity, making the rice more suitable for cultivation.
What challenges need to be addressed for wider acceptance of pigmented rice?
For wider acceptance of pigmented rice varieties, improved yield and agronomic traits are necessary. Farmers need to be convinced of the economic viability and practical benefits of cultivating these varieties. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the engineered traits, achieved through technologies like CRISPR, can coexist harmoniously with other important traits like yield, without compromising overall crop quality.
What is the significance of enhancing the local red rice variety, Hassawi rice?
Enhancing the local red rice variety, Hassawi rice, is significant due to its cultural and economic importance in Saudi Arabia. By utilizing CRISPR technology, the researchers aim to improve its productivity and other key traits, catering to the specific demands of the local Saudi market. This could contribute to increased food security and economic prosperity in the region.
More about genomic innovation in rice
- “Multi-omics resources for targeted agronomic improvement of pigmented rice” (Research Paper): Link
- CRISPR-Cas9: Link
- Importance of Pigmented Rice for Nutrition: Link
- CRISPR Technology in Agriculture: Link
