NEWS – NIPGR (National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Delhi) used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing in japonica rice to enhance phosphate uptake and yield.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Japonica Rice:
  • Eco-geographical race: One of two major races of O. sativa, the other being Indica.
  • Characteristics: Short to medium grain, harder, thicker, and stickier than white rice.
  • Grain features: Short, roundish, awnless to long-awned, and resistant to shattering.
  • Amylose content: 0-20%.
  • Varieties: Includes sushi rice and glutinous rice (gluten-free).
  • Climate: Grows in cooler subtropical and temperate zones.
  • Major growing areas: Primary type of rice in Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia
• Gene Target: Focus was on OsPHO1;2, a transporter that moves phosphate from root to shoot.
• Problem: Knocking out repressor gene OsWRKY6 boosted phosphate uptake but harmed yield due to its other essential functions.
• Solution: Instead of removing the whole repressor, scientists precisely deleted the 30-base-pair binding site of OsWRKY6 on the promoter.
• Outcome:
  • 20% yield increase with full fertilizer.
  • 40% yield increase with only 10% of recommended phosphate.
  • Seed quality (size, starch, phosphate) remained unaffected.
• Significance:
  • Increased efficiency means less phosphate fertilizer use.
  • Root absorbs more before phosphate binds with soil minerals (thus becoming unavailable).
• Next Steps:
  • Testing on indica rice (common in India) underway.
  • No off-target effects found; foreign DNA removed via Mendelian segregation.
• Implication: Could reduce India’s dependence on phosphate imports and promote sustainable agriculture.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PLANT GENOME RESEARCH (NIPGR)

• Established: 1998
• Location: New Delhi
• Autonomous Institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India
• Mandate: To conduct advanced research in plant genomics and molecular biology to improve crop productivity and stress resistance.