Phosphorus (P)
Why it Matters?
The National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) has developed gene-edited japonica rice using CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technology to enhance phosphate uptake and transport, resulting in up to 40% higher yield even with just 10% of the recommended phosphate fertilizer, marking a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture.
What You Should Know?
Phosphorus (P) is essential for root development, tillering, early flowering, and ripening in crops.
It is mobile in the plant but immobile in the soil, making timely application crucial.
Phosphorus deficiency symptoms include stunted, dark green plants with erect leaves, poor tillering, and delayed flowering.
P is often deficient in acidic, alkaline, sandy, or degraded soils with high P fixation (due to Fe, Al, Ca, or Mg).
Rice crops absorb ~6.4 kg P₂O₅ (2.8 kg P) per ton of grain (4.4 kg in grain, 2.0 kg in straw).
Major P fertilizers: Single super phosphate (SSP), Triple super phosphate (TSP), Diammonium phosphate (DAP), Ammonium polyphosphate (APP).
P fertilizer uptake efficiency is only 15–20%, the rest is lost via runoff or fixed in the soil.
Japonica:
It is characterized by short to medium, roundish grains that are sticky, thick, harder, and have low amylose content (0–20%), making them ideal for sushi and glutinous rice.
Japonica is one of the two main subspecies of Oryza sativa (the other being Indica), predominantly grown in temperate and cooler subtropical regions.
Grain features include awnless to long-awned spikelets, non-shattering grains, and naturally gluten-free properties despite the name "glutinous rice."
Climatic suitability: Japonica rice thrives in temperate zones and cooler subtropics, mainly cultivated in Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia.
Each Japonica cultivar is selectively bred for specific traits, allowing adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and culinary preferences.