More rice, less gas: Chinese and Swedish scientists create hybrid to cut methane emissions

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on South China Morning Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Chinese and Swedish scientists have developed a high-yield hybrid rice that reduces methane emissions by up to 70%
• The breakthrough comes from modifying root secretions, decreasing fumarate production while increasing ethanol
• Researchers hope to register the variety in China and collaborate with fertilizer companies to enhance emission reductions

🔭 The context: Rice paddies are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as microbes in flooded fields decompose organic matter
• Climate change and population growth are expected to increase rice-related emissions, making low-methane rice a crucial innovation
• The study, published in Molecular Plant, highlights how biochemical changes in root secretions can significantly cut emissions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Methane is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ in warming the planet over 20 years, and rice farming contributes around 10% of global methane emissions
• Lowering methane output from staple crops like rice could significantly help in climate mitigation
• This innovation supports sustainable agriculture while maintaining food security

⏭️ What's next: Scientists aim to register the hybrid rice in China for large-scale farming adoption
• They are also working with companies to integrate the compound oxantel into fertilizers, further reducing emissions
• Future research will explore how this method can be applied to other rice varieties worldwide

💬 One quote: "Breeding a new rice variety with these characteristics resulted in 70% reductions in methane production." — Research team, Molecular Plant

📈 One stat: The hybrid rice emits 70% less methane compared to traditional varieties

Click for more news covering the latest on sustainable agriculture and carbon