Carbon dioxide is one of the primary greenhouse gases responsible for global warming and climate change. Rice cultivation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the production of methane and carbon dioxide. According to the World Bank, rice is responsible for 10% of global methane emissions, and in Southeast Asia, one of the world’s major rice producers, rice cultivation accounts for as much as 25-33% of the region’s methane emissions.
Thailand is one of the world’s largest rice producers. Rice has been central to the culture and economy of Thailand. However, the cultivation of rice contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Fortunately, efforts are underway to develop more climate smart rice cultivar. Dr. Jonaliza L. Siangliw’s campaign on “Response of Thai rice varieties under elevated CO2 concentrations” was successfully selected for crowdfunding by experiment.com, an online platform for funding and sharing scientific discoveries. Dr. Siangliw, a researcher from Innovative Plant Biotechnology and Precision Agriculture Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) Thailand, intended to use her expertise on QTL mapping and molecular breeding to investigate specific traits for efficient utilization of CO2 in Thai rice varieties without affecting the grain quality.
Dr. Siangliw revealed that “climate change can have significant impacts on rice production, and Thai rice farmers is particularly vulnerable to these effects. By identifying rice varieties that are efficient in their utilization of CO2, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure food security for Thai communities.” Increased CO2 utilization can lead to higher yields and higher income for farmers. This can have significant economic benefits for Thai rice farmers and the country as a whole.
Dr. Siangliw went on to point out that “identifying specific traits related to CO2 utilization in rice can be useful in genetic studies of the trait. By understanding the genetics of this trait, we can develop new rice varieties with improved CO2 utilization to be a donor that can help address the challenges posed by climate change”.
As the goal is to identify the traits responsive to elevated CO2, the team needs initial funding to obtain preliminary results. Ambient and elevated CO2 (800ppm) in a closed greenhouse system will be imposed. Leaf, stem and root anatomy from both treatments will be investigated at maximum tillering and flowering stages. Cross sections of the leaf mesophyll and the number of vascular bundles in stems and roots will be investigated. The difference in the features of traits at ambient and elevated CO2 will reflect the response to CO2. The contributions of the trait(s) in improving yield at elevated CO2 will also be determined. The Information can be used in studying the genetic control of traits responsive to elevated CO2.
Dr. Siangliw would like to make a great case as to why potential backers should consider donating to the project. Climate smart rice is an innovative solution to mitigate the impact of climate change on rice production, and it has the potential to increase economic value for rice farmers and the wider community.
By pledging their support, backers can play an important role in advancing the development of climate-smart rice and contribute to a more sustainable future. With their donations, the project team can conduct research and development, as well as testing and implementation, of climate-smart rice in different regions.
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