Salt-Resistant Gene of Rice Cloned

Chinese scientists have cloned a rice gene that provides salt-resistance. The gene, called SKC1, was taken from an ancient salt-resistant rice variety native to the Shanghai area. The gene works by balancing the levels of sodium and potassium (refered to by the Latin, Natrium and Kalium in the article) in the plants. Excess sodium is transfered to the roots, leaving space for potassium, necessary for plant growth, in the upper parts.

Chinese scientists hope to develop salt-resistant crop varieties through crossbreeding over the next few years. The new rice will be a great benefit to agriculture in a China, which has about one tenth of the world's saline lands.

Link: Salt-Resistant Gene of Rice Cloned from China View

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 1:56 PM on September 21, 2005

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