Scientists in the Chinese mainland have cracked a critical agricultural code, identifying two genes that enable sorghum plants to resist Striga – a destructive parasitic weed responsible for billions in annual crop losses across Africa and Asia. Published in Cell, the research led by Professor Xie Qi’s team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences signals a breakthrough in combating food insecurity through biotechnology.
By analyzing how sorghum roots produce strigolactones (SLs) that either attract or repel parasites, the team used AI models to pinpoint amino acid variations in SL transporters. These \"molecular switches\" determine whether Striga infiltrates crops or is kept at bay. The findings could help engineer resistant strains of not just sorghum but also maize, rice, and millet.
Collaborating with five global institutions, researchers emphasized the potential to boost yields in regions where climate change and parasitic plants threaten food supplies. The study aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by offering a science-driven path to greener agriculture.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
