Chinese scientists pinpoint gene to boost crop yields in high-alkaline soils
- Researchers have produced modified sorghum, rice, wheat, maize and millet crops after finding a gene that helps counter the harmful effects of high levels of alkaline in the soil
- Previous research has focused on high-saline soils – which have different characteristics – and scientists behind the latest study say it helps ‘fill a gap’
The researchers said their findings could help communities adapt to the global trend of salinisation caused by climate change, the overuse of fertilisers and increasing shortages of fresh water.
The study, published in Science magazine on Friday, was led by Professor Xie Qi from the Chinese Academy of Science’s Institute of Genetics and Development Biology, Professor Yu Feifei from China Agricultural University and Professor Ouyang Yidan from Huazhong Agricultural University.
Salty soil can be either saline or alkaline, and most research has focused on the former. However, the two have very different characteristics – with salinised soil containing sodium chloride and sodium sulphate, while alkaline soils are dominated by sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate – and Yu described the new study as “filling the gap” that resulted.
“Although salinity tolerance has been studied extensively, alkalinity tolerance in plants has not been studied in depth,” she added.
The research initially focused on sorghum, a crop that originates from central Africa and has evolved to help it tolerate sodium-rich soils.