Did you know that rice fields are responsible for 12% of global methane emissions? It is a significant contributor to climate change, and is likely to increase as the world's population grows (as long as it does). But a team of researchers from theSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences has found a surprising solution: a special rice that drastically reduces emissions without compromising production. What's the story?
The challenge of methane emissions
Rice is a staple food for more than half the world's population, but its cultivation comes at a high environmental cost. Rice paddies are responsible for about 12% of global emissions of methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas. With global warming and population growth, these emissions are set to increase, fueling a vicious cycle of climate change.
In the study published in the magazine Molecular Plant, researchers have identified the key mechanism behind methane emissions in rice fields. The breakthrough came by studying the root exudates, the chemical compounds released by rice roots that influence the activity of methane-producing microbes in the soil.
The role of root exudates and the 'birth' of a special rice
Comparing two rice varieties (SUSIBA2, a genetically modified variety known for its low emissions, and Nipponbare, a non-GMO variety with average emissions), the researchers made a crucial discovery. The roots of SUSIBA2 released less fumarate, a compound that appeared to feed methane-producing microbes, and more ethanol, which instead seemed to inhibit its production.
Armed with this knowledge, the researchers developed a new non-GMO rice variety through traditional crossing. They did this by combining a high-yielding variety with Heijing, known for its low methane emissions. The result was the special rice called LFHE (Low Fumarate High Ethanol), which produces root exudates with the “winning” combination of low fumarate and high ethanol.
Promising results in the field
How do you explain Anna Schnürer, microbiologist and senior author of the study, field tests in several locations in China have yielded exciting results. LFHE rice showed a 70% reduction in methane emissions compared to the high-yielding parent variety.
The real success, however, lies in the fact that this reduction it did not involve any sacrifice in terms of productivity: LFHE rice produced 8,96 tonnes per hectare, nearly double the global average of 4,71 tonnes.
Special “anti-methane” rice: practical solutions for the future
The research did not stop at the development of the new variety. The team also discovered that treating the soil with ethanol or oxantel methane emissions could be reduced by 60% without affecting yields. They are now working to register LFHE rice with the Chinese government and are collaborating with fertilizer companies to develop products containing oxanthels.
As emphasized schnürer, the success of this innovation will depend on government support in motivating and supporting farmers to adopt these low-emission varieties. “It is not enough to develop ecological rice varieties,” says the researcher, “it is essential to bring them to the market and gain farmer acceptance.”
It turns out that it is possible to significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture without compromising food security. Believe me, in recent years I have seen so many bizarre researches on rice. And I tell you that this rice is special also because it satisfies everyone: environmentalists, GMO skeptics and food needs. A news that makes you smile…laughter? I know, I know. I've said it before.