EyesOnSci | Chinese scientists unlock "longevity genes" in wild rice, paving way for perennial crops-Xinhua
EyesOnSci | Chinese scientists unlock "longevity genes" in wild rice, paving way for perennial crops
Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2026-03-20 20:52:17
Han Bin, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and one of the leading scientists on a research team from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of CAS, presents research findings at a press conference held by CEMPS in east China's Shanghai, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
SHANGHAI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Can rice be planted once and harvested for multiple years, just like fruit trees in an orchard? A groundbreaking study by Chinese scientists may turn this vision into reality, offering significant potential to reduce agricultural costs and promote sustainable development.
A research team from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has identified key genes that determine the perennial growth habit of wild rice and created wild-rice-like plants capable of surviving for at least two years. The study was published in the journal Science on Friday.
Han Bin (2nd L), an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and one of the leading scientists on a research team from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of CAS, checks the growth of wild-rice-like plants with team members at CEMPS in east China's Shanghai, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)Dai Bingxin, a research team member, conducts genetic analysis at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in east China's Shanghai, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)Wang Jiawei (L), a key scientist of a research team, discusses with team member Dai Bingxin at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in east China's Shanghai, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)A staff member of a research team conducts genetic analysis at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in east China's Shanghai, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)A staff member of a research team measures the grain size of cultivated and wild rice at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in east China's Shanghai, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)Han Bin (L), an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and one of the leading scientists on a research team from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS) of CAS, discusses the growth of rice plants with a team member in CEMPS in east China's Shanghai, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)■
