Basmati rice, up close. It is hoped that the research could improve the nutritional value of rice, which is a staple food for over half of the world’s population Photo: Wikipedia

Genes that regulate the transport of nutrients within rice plants are being researched by a team from Purdue University, Indiana, US.

It is hoped that the research could improve the nutritional value of rice, which is cultivated in 113 countries and is a staple food for over half of the world’s population.  The research “could allow engineers or breeders to develop new strains of rice with high nutrient levels”, says research leader, Professor David Salt. 

The project, funded by a $5.5 million grant from the US National Science Foundation, will analyse concentrations of 18 different elements in 1,800 varieties of rice.  Research will also be aimed at better understanding rice’s ability to take up harmful chemicals such as cadmium and arsenic. Data from the study will be made available at the Purdue Ionomics Information Management System database at www.purdue.edu/dp/ionomics.
By Simon Varcoe

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