Even non-sciency folks can appreciate the
differences between the rice varieties that
contain the sub-1 gene (sub=submergence)
and those that don't!
In this photo, the rice variety, 'Swarna,' was planted on the left and did not survive being submerged for 12 days-- thus the bare puddle. However, the 'Swarna sub-1,' on the right, contains a gene that allows the rice to tolerate
submergence for 2 weeks! 'Swarna sub-1' is thriving!
The sub-1 gene has been integrated into popular rice varieties through breeding (not transgenics) so that farmers have 'flood insurance in a seed.'
Check out NPR's IRRI interviews for more information!
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