Genome-edited Rice Varieties

• 06 May 2025

Source: IE 

India has released its first genome-edited rice varieties namely 'DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)' and 'Pusa DST Rice 1' aimed at enhancing yields, climate resilience, and resource efficiency without introducing foreign DNA. 

• They have been developed by ICAR using advanced CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology. No foreign DNA is introduced, making them comparable to traditionally bred crops. 
• DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): It is based on the popular Samba Mahsuri variety. Edited using Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) technology targeting the Cytokinin Oxidase 2 (CKX2) gene (Gn1a) to improve grain number. 
  • It results in early maturity (Harvested 15–20 days earlier), drought-tolerant, high nitrogen-use efficiency. 
• Pusa DST Rice 1: It is based on Maruteru 1010 variety and enhances drought and salt tolerance. Developed through SDN1 genome-editing, it targets the drought and salt tolerance (DST) gene. 
  • It results in 30.4% higher yield in coastal salinity, 14.66% higher in alkaline soils and 9.67% higher in inland salinity. 
• Site-Directed Nuclease Technology: It is a genome-editing technique that introduces precise changes in DNA using enzymes called nucleases.  
  • SDN-1 introduces small insertions/deletions without using foreign DNA, while SDN-2 uses a template DNA (similar to the host) to introduce specific desired changes.

Read More: Climate Resilient Agriculture