Difference in use of nitrogen by rice varieties

Source- This post on Difference in use of nitrogen by rice varieties has been created based on the article “Biotechnologists detect difference in use of nitrogen by rice varieties” published in “The Hindu” on 12 August 2024.

Why in News?

Biotechnologists at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGU) in New Delhi have found significant differences in the nitrogen utilization efficiency among popular rice varieties in India.

Key Findings:

1. Researchers found a significant difference in how various rice varieties in India utilize nitrogen. Some varieties of rice are much more efficient than others.

2. Significance: This discovery can lead to the development of new rice varieties that require less nitrogen while maintaining high yields. The research emphasizes the need to focus on biotechnological methods to develop rice varieties with improved Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE).

Importance of Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE):

1. Nitrogen-use efficiency refers to the yield of a crop relative to the amount of nitrogen (both natural and artificial) available to it.

2. Poor NUE in crops leads to a massive waste of nitrogen fertilizers, costing India ₹1 trillion annually and over $170 billion globally.

3. Environmental Concerns with Low NUE: Nitrogen fertilizers are a major source of pollution. It contributes to harmful emissions like nitrous oxide and ammonia, as well as nitrate and ammonium contamination in water.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology