Chinese Scientists Find Key Gene to Save Fertilizer for Crops

Chinese scientists have discovered a key gene in vegetation that make them extra efficient in utilizing nitrogen fertilizer, which can lend a hand cut back using fertilizer.The application of nitrogen fertilizer is the most important measure to increase the yields of crops akin to rice and wheat. However, a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer also brings about ecological problems equivalent to soil acidification and agricultural greenhouse fuel emissions.

Scientists from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology underneath the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed the mechanisms underlying the nitrogen-use efficiency of crops and confirmed that the gene GRF4 is a good regulator of plant nitrogen metabolism.

After increasing the expression of GRF4, vegetation maintained a high-yield trait whilst nitrogen use efficiency higher considerably.

The research enables novel breeding methods for sustainable agriculture, in keeping with the research crew.

The research was printed within the journal Nature. (Xinhua)