Targeted mutagenesis of the vacuolar H translocating pyrophosphatase gene reduces grain chalkiness in rice.

Grain chalkiness is a major concern in rice production because it impacts milling yield and cooking quality, eventually reducing market value of the rice. A gene encoding vacuolar H translocating pyrophosphatase (V-PPase) is a major quantitative trait locus in indica rice, controlling grain chalkiness. Higher transcriptional activity of this gene is associated with increased chalk content.

Advanced applications of sustainable and biological nano-polymers in agricultural production.

Though still in its infancy, the use of nanotechnology has shown promise for improving and enhancing agriculture: nanoparticles (NP) offer the potential solution to depleted and dry soils, a method for the controlled release of agrochemicals, and offer an easier means of gene editing in plants. Due to the continued growth of the global population, it is undeniable that our agricultural systems and practices will need to become more efficient in the very near future. However, this new technology comes with significant worry regarding environmental contamination.