Researchers at KAUST are enhancing pigmented rice varieties like black, brown, and red rice using genomic studies and CRISPR technology to improve their agronomic traits. Notably, they aim to develop a shorter, early-maturing version of Cempo Ireng, a nutrient-dense black Indonesian rice, and increase the productivity of Hassawi rice, a culturally significant red variety in Saudi Arabia. Pigmented rice is notably richer in essential microelements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium compared to white rice, potentially addressing malnutrition. With limited genomic data available for pigmented varieties, the KAUST team has sequenced several rice genomes and analyzed 63 varieties for superior nutritional content. Their findings highlight that black rice possesses the highest nutritional benefits. They successfully utilized CRISPR to engineer shorter stalks and earlier maturation in Cempo Ireng, making it more suitable for farmers despite its previous resistance issues. Future work will focus on ensuring that these agronomic improvements do not compromise the rice’s yield. The ongoing research aims to provide breeders and crop bioengineers with resources to further develop pigmented rice varieties, enhancing their cultivation and contribution to human health in regions where these crops are culturally significant.
