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The wonderful difference between large calories and small calories: Why do we always use "large calories" on nutrition labels?
Genetically modified rice refers to rice varieties that have been genetically modified through biotechnology. These improved rice have the potential to improve crop characteristics in many aspects, including increased micronutrients such as vitamin A, improved photosynthetic efficiency, resistance to pesticides, resistance to pests, and increased grain size. These improvements are aimed at combating the global challenges of hunger and malnutrition, but the use of this technology remains controversial in some countries.
The history of genetically modified rice
In 2000, the United States first approved two genetically modified rice varieties with herbicide resistance, LLRice60 and LLRice62. Although these varieties were also approved in Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Colombia in the following years, these approvals did not lead to commercial use. According to reports in 2009, although China has approved a genetically modified rice that is resistant to pests, the variety has not yet been commercialized. As of 2012, genetically modified rice was not widely available globally.
"Genetically modified rice has the potential to improve global hunger, malnutrition and poverty."
Characteristics of genetically modified rice
Herbicide resistant
Between 2000 and 2001, Monsanto studied the possibility of adding glyphosate tolerance to rice, but ultimately did not bring it to market. Bayer's LibertyLink rice, designed to tolerate fluroxylin, is currently approved in the U.S. but has not yet been used on a large scale. Clearfield rice developed through traditional breeding techniques can tolerate certain types of herbicides. These technologies provide farmers with more choices and less reliance on chemicals.
Nutritional value
Golden Rice is a special genetically modified rice with a higher vitamin A content, pioneered by Ingo Potrykus and his team. This kind of rice can synthesize beta-carotene in its grains, which is of great significance for improving the vitamin A deficiency problem in developing countries. In addition, researchers are also using genetic modification to increase the iron content in rice to address the global iron deficiency problem.
"The World Health Organization states that 30% of the world's population is affected by iron deficiency."
Insect resistance
The Pasteurella-engineered BT rice can express the cryIA(b) gene, giving it resistance to rice borer and other pests. The Chinese government is already conducting relevant field trials to evaluate the effectiveness of this variety. The promotion of BT rice can enable farmers to reduce the use of pesticides and help increase crop yields and profits.
Allergy
Some researchers in Japan are developing anti-allergenic rice, trying to suppress the formation of certain allergens through genetic modification, thereby reducing allergic reactions to pollen. Preliminary results from these studies suggest that these engineered rices may be potentially helpful in alleviating allergy symptoms.
The potential of C4 photosynthesis
In 2015, a multinational laboratory group successfully developed a rice variety showing preliminary C4 photosynthesis. This unique photosynthesis pathway can improve the plant's carbon dioxide capture capacity, potentially increasing rice yields by up to 50%. Although current varieties still rely mainly on C3 photosynthesis, their future growth potential cannot be ignored.
Production of recombinant proteins
Genetically modified brown rice is used to cost-effectively produce human serum albumin, which is scarce globally. This development demonstrates the potential of genetically modified rice for medical applications.
Legal issues
United States
In 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) detected unapproved LibertyLink rice in rice about to be exported, and the incident caused dramatic fluctuations in the rice futures market. This incident ultimately affected farmers in more than a dozen states and caused massive economic losses.
China
Currently, the Chinese government has not yet issued a license for the commercial use of genetically modified rice, which is limited to research purposes. Experts have expressed certain concerns about the environmental safety of gene flow.
Conclusion
The development and application of genetically modified rice has huge potential and challenges in global food security. How to improve crop characteristics while taking into account ecology and human health has become an important issue in the future. Do you think genetically modified rice can solve the global food problem in the near future?
