Singapore, April 2, 2008: Scientists at the Rice Gene Discovery Unit, which is a collaboration effort between Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and Kasetsart University, have made a major breakthrough with the successful cracking of the aromatic genetic code of jasmine rice. Now, researchers can isolate the chromosomes responsible for the aroma and also add the chromosomes to any rice variety using conventional breeding with the help of molecular marking.
According to Prof Apichart Vanavichit, Director of the Rice Gene Discovery Unit, the breakthrough discovery has a significant implication for Thailand’s rice breeding programs. Now, Thai rice breeders can make improvement on rice varieties and at the same time give attention to the aroma of the rice which was not possible due to lack of knowledge and techniques. Rice breeders can also effectively monitor the aroma using the testing method developed by the scientists at Rice Gene Discovery Unit. This technology will help Thai rice industry to become more competitive in the global market. The technology has been granted a US patent to protect its intellectual property.
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