By reducing the rice plant’s height, the gene reduced the incidence of stem collapse prior to harvest and increased the number of tillers per plant, enabling a significant increase in grain yield.
Black rice, a heritage variety of Bengal rice, is known for its high amount of antioxidants that prevent cancer.
An ancient tradition sends a worrying signal to the nation’s farmers.
Rice planting is nearing its halfway point in California’s middle Sacramento Valley. Crop advisers are expecting more fields to be fallowed this year because of a lack of water, although how much more acreage is idled remains to be seen.
