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The Production Of Rice Is One Of The Main Sources Of Methane Emissions In Agriculture, One Of The Gases Responsible For Global Warming. Now, Swedish And Chinese Scientists Have Created A New Variety Of The Grain That Reduces This Release By 70%, Bringing Advancements For Agricultural Sustainability.
The cultivation of rice is one of the main sources of methane emissions in agriculture. Now, a team of Swedish and Chinese scientists has developed a new variety that reduces these emissions by up to 70% without compromising productivity.
Rice, essential for nearly half of the world’s population, can become more sustainable with this innovation.
The Problem Of Methane Emissions In Rice Cultivation
Rice grows in flooded soil, creating ideal conditions for microorganisms that produce methane. This gas has a much greater impact on global warming than carbon dioxide. Finding ways to reduce its release without affecting food production is a challenge.
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Until now, it was known that substances released by roots affected methane formation, but the exact mechanism was not fully understood.
Researchers discovered that two compounds play an essential role in this process.
The Secret Of The New Variety
The team of scientists from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Chinese institutions analyzed two varieties: a genetically modified one called SUSIBA2, with reduced emissions, and a conventional one called Nipponbare. The study revealed that two compounds are crucial:
- Fumarate: promotes methane production by feeding the microorganisms that produce it.
- Ethanol: reduces the activity of these microorganisms, decreasing methane emissions.
Based on this knowledge, scientists used traditional breeding methods to create a new rice variety that significantly reduces emissions.
How The Rice Was Developed
Researchers used a natural approach, without genetic modification. They crossed a variety called Heijing5, known for its low methane emissions, with another high-yield variety.
After five generations of selection, they obtained a variety that combines high productivity with a significant reduction in methane release.
Field tests in China showed promising results. The new variety achieved an average yield of 9 tons per hectare, higher than the Chinese average of 7 tons per hectare. At the same time, it reduced methane emissions by 70% compared to other conventional varieties.
Next Steps
Scientists are now seeking to register and commercialize this variety in China and other countries. Farmers will be able to adopt this technology without the need for significant changes in their cultivation practices.
Another goal is to test the use of oxantel, a compound that inhibits the breakdown of fumarate, enhancing the reduction of methane emissions. If successful, this approach could be applied to other rice varieties.
Environmental Impact And Food Security
Creating a rice with low methane emissions can bring great benefits:
- Reduction Of Environmental Impact, helping to mitigate global warming.
- Increased Productivity, without increasing the cultivation area.
- Greater Public Acceptance, as it does not involve genetically modified organisms.
- Preservation Of Aquatic Ecosystems, reducing water pollution from methane.
Research shows that it is possible to develop sustainable solutions without harming food production. Low-carbon rice represents a great step towards more efficient and environmentally responsible agriculture.
With information from slu.se.
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