Fungus Makes Rice Adapting to Climate Change

Rice is one of the major food sources that meet half the daily caloric needs of the world's population. Research carried out the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found a way to make rice can adapt to climate change and natural disasters. USGS research indicates that the colonization of seeds or rice plants with spores of a fungus commonly found in nature can save these plants.

Research was conducted to explore ways to improve rice adaptibilitas to climate change impacts, such as tsunamis and rising sea water tide which causes a decrease in yields. USGS scientists and colleagues colonize two commercial varieties of rice with fungal spores commonly found in plants that are resistant saltwater beaches and vegetation in the area of geothermal heat-tolerant.

"The experiment was quite successful," said Rusty Rodriguez, USGS researcher in Seattle, who was involved in such research.

Rice that thrives showed increased tolerance to cold temperatures, salt water, and drought, although they tested rice varieties do not adapt naturally to the third condition.

After the success of increased tolerance, the research team is now trying to make rice resistant to heat. Currently rice production fell by around 10 percent for every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature during the rice planting season.

"This is an amazing breakthrough," said Rodriguez. "The ability of this fungus to colonize and tolerate the stress on the plant. Similarly increased rice yields and root system, indicating that the fungus may also be useful to make the plants adapt to drought, salt water, and temperatures will be worse next few years as climate change, "he said later.

The use of small fungus called endofit, Rodriguez said, is one strategy to overcome the effects of climate change on crops in agriculture and natural ecosystems. "We explore the emerging field of research as symbiogenics. DNA is the rice itself is not changed at all," Rodriguez said. "Instead, we re-create what normally happens in nature. Such a strategy is necessary because rice production is projected to decline by 15 percent in 2050." he said later.*** [SCIENCEDAILY | KORAN TEMPO 3590]