Study finds wide variety of nitrogen-use efficiency in Indian rice varieties

GGU scientists from New Delhi have discovered a major difference in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) among rice varieties. This could lead to the development of high-yielding varieties on less nitrogen, reducing fertilizer costs and pollution. This research helps reduce the impact of fertilizer use in India.

Findings: Biotechnologists at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGU), New Delhi, found that popular rice varieties in India have significant differences in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).

Impact: Improved NUE in rice can lead to a reduction in fertilizer costs and a reduction of nitrogen-associated pollution.

Problem: Poor fertilizer NUE in India leads to nitrogen fertilizer waste worth ₹1 trillion per year and contributes to environmental pollution.

Research findings: The study found that there is a fivefold difference in NUE among rice varieties, but high NUE is not always related to high yield.

Study methodology: The study analyzed 46 qualitative and physiological parameters on 34 rice varieties over a decade, with field trials confirming greenhouse results.

Future uses: The research suggests large-scale screening to identify rice varieties with high NUE for different climatic conditions.

Environmental context: India is the second largest emitter of nitrous oxide due to fertilizer use, which contributes significantly to global warming.

Recommendations: Crop improvement needs to focus on biotechnology and large-scale screening rather than relying only on fertilizer adjustment and crop management.

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