Context:
- Researchers at Delhi-based TERI School of Advanced Studies have developed an early flowering transgenic variety of mustard.
- Researchers figured out the role of a regulatory gene, called MIR172 belonging to the micro RNA family, that is present in functionally varied forms in Indian mustard and is responsible for a number of traits including the timing of flowering.
- In plants, this microRNA enacts by negatively regulating the expression of some protein-coding genes involved in flowering time.
- By increasing the expression of this microRNA, the researchers have developed an early flowering transgenic plant of Indian mustard cultivar Brassica junceacv.
- By manipulating flowering time, one can develop a plant variety with shorter life cycle and thus help have better yields through reduced exposure to the harsh climatic conditions in the fields.
Important for India
- Indian mustard is a major oilseed crop in the country and due to changing climate the number of cold days required for full plant cycle has shrunk.
- Scientists have been working on improving crop varieties by modifying plant genes to make them more adaptable changing climate.
- Early flowering and maturing varieties can help cope with climate change, without compromising on yields.
Source:Downtoearth