Chinese scientists develop method to increase crop yields

Chinese scientists have made a significant discovery in the field of agriculture by developing a new method that significantly increases crop productivity when exposed to high temperatures. This is reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences used an innovative gene editing tool to introduce a heat stress-responsive element into the tomato LIN5 gene. This change enhances gene expression at high temperatures and reduces sugar deficiency in the fruit.

Experiments conducted under different conditions, both in greenhouses and open fields, showed that the new technique increased tomato yields by 14 to 47 per cent under normal conditions and 26 to 33 per cent under heat stress, preventing between 56 and 100 per cent of yield losses due to heat. 

In addition, experiments with rice have shown that this genetic engineering technique can increase rice production by 7-13 per cent under normal conditions and 25 per cent under high temperatures.

Scientists say these experiments have significantly improved crop resilience to climate change and ushered in a new era of designing high-yielding and stable varieties.