A recently published study proves that ancient people 10,000 years ago were the “scientists” who genetically modified rice.
>> New discovery about the origins of rice
>> Rice grown from “3,000-year-old seeds” considered modern varieties
Ancient peoples developed techniques in the “Green Revolution.”
Scientists indicate that ancient humans selected different rice varieties and then mixed genes to create a new generation of rice with higher yields and better cultivation. This discovery follows an analysis of the genes of wild rice and cultivated rice. The results show that cultivated rice is taller than wild rice, as evidenced by the gene variant SD1—a type of gene found only in modern rice. This is one of the most important genes in current rice varieties, providing effective yields, shorter growth times, and high production.
Dr. Yamasaki and colleagues from Kobe University (Japan) believe that ancient people began to pay attention to the height of rice plants and selected shorter plants with many seeds for harvesting. This characteristic is evident in the SD1 gene.
Researchers state: “During the domestication process, ancient humans made scientific selections regarding grain size, flowering times, maturation periods, and harvest timing. These characteristics demonstrate that they had made significant advancements in their lives, collectively referred to as ‘the domestication syndrome’.”
The “Green Revolution” of humanity is once again explored through these artificial selections in the development of rice cultivation.
