MalayMail-May 31
Agricultural weeds have long been formidable adversaries in paddy fields worldwide, competing with crops for resources and significantly reducing agricultural yields.
One such weed, weedy rice — called “padi angin” in Malay — has garnered attention due to its persistence and impact on rice cultivation. However, recent research suggests that weedy rice may hold untapped potential that could benefit agriculture. Speaking to Malay Mail, academic Song Beng Kah from the School of Science at Monash University Malaysia explained that the story of weedy rice starts with the domestication of its wild ancestor, Oryza rufipogon, more than 10 years ago.
The associate professor said early farmers selectively bred rice plants to have traits that made harvesting easier. He then went on to say that the weedy rice, which emerged three decades ago in Peninsular Malaysia originates from two primary processes, which are hybridization — involving the interbreeding of cultivated rice with wild rice and inheriting traits like easy seed shattering — and a reversal of domestication due to genetic mutations, leading to the reacquisition of wild-like features, such as seed shattering, rendering it challenging to control in cultivated areas. Song then went on to say the primary challenge in the rice industry stems from the difficulty in distinguishing between weedy rice and regular rice, as they appear remarkably similar, making it hard to detect contamination until the weedy rice begins to flower. As part of the efforts, Song said Monash University Malaysia is undertaking a project aimed at developing a biomarker to differentiate between the two.
“In terms of funding, Monash University is spearheading this project with support from the government and overseas collaborators. If successful, Malaysia could lead the way in solving this issue,” he added. Read more at: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/31/from-menace-to-miracle-how-padi-angin-may-solve-future-rice-scarcity-in-malaysia/134986
