In the heart of Bangladesh, a groundbreaking study is paving the way for the preservation and genetic improvement of rice landraces, with potential implications for the energy sector. Led by Tahera Lasker from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering at Sylhet Agricultural University, the research focuses on callus induction and in vitro plant regeneration, a process that could revolutionize how we approach crop improvement and bioenergy production.
Rice landraces, traditional varieties of rice that have adapted to specific local environments, are a vital genetic resource. However, they are increasingly threatened by extinction. Lasker’s study, published in the Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology (translated as the Journal of Life Sciences and Biotechnology), aims to change that. “These landraces are not just a part of our agricultural heritage; they hold the key to future genetic diversity and resilience,” Lasker explains.
The research team optimized a plant regeneration protocol using plant growth regulators (PGRs) on N6 media for five Bangladeshi rice landraces: Hingairmanik, Moynashail, Haloi, Noyaraz, and Prabini. They found that different concentrations and combinations of PGRs yielded the best results for callusing and regeneration. For instance, Hingairmanik, Moynashail, and Haloi showed maximum calli formation on N6 medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D, achieving impressive callus induction rates of 80%, 90%, and 76.67%, respectively.
The study also revealed that the largest callus induction for Noyaraz (76.67%) and Prabini (66.67%) was achieved on N6 medium with 3.0 mg/l 2,4-D. For complete plant regeneration from embryogenic calli, the team employed N6 medium supplemented with different combinations of NAA and BA concentrations. Moynashail, Prabini, and Haloi showed the highest rates of regeneration on N6 medium amended with 1.5 mg/l NAA and 3.0 mg/l BA, resulting in 70%, 55%, and 60% regeneration, respectively. Hingairmanik and Noyaraz, on the other hand, showed maximum regeneration frequency (65%) at a medium containing 1.5mg/l NAA and 3.5mg/l BA.
This research is not just about preserving rice varieties; it’s about unlocking their potential for genetic improvement. “By understanding and optimizing these regeneration protocols, we can enhance the traits of these landraces, making them more resilient to climate change and better suited for bioenergy production,” Lasker notes.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Rice landraces, with their unique genetic makeup, could be engineered to produce higher yields of biomass, which can be converted into biofuels. This could provide a sustainable and renewable energy source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
Moreover, the study’s findings could pave the way for similar research on other crops, further expanding the potential for bioenergy production. As Lasker’s research demonstrates, the key to unlocking this potential lies in understanding and optimizing the regeneration protocols for these valuable genetic resources.
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, this research offers a promising avenue. By preserving and enhancing rice landraces, we can not only safeguard our agricultural heritage but also pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.