The University of Queensland has received a one million dollargrant to carry out research aimed at isolating characteristics to induce drought tolerance in the rain-fed rice systems of Asia's Mekong region.

"Once the genes for drought tolerance are identified, researchers can use molecular tools to improve the efficiency of developing rice plants by identifying the particular genes that make certain plants more resistant," the university's school of land and food sciences professor Shu Fukai said.

"Cambodia, Laos and Thailand are countries that don't have irrigation water to grow rice so about 70 percent of their rice fields simply rely on rainfall.

"We are aiming to find rice plants and varieties that will cope with drought."

Fukai said part of the research would be conducted through partnership with the University of Queensland and other bodies in the region.

SPACE.WIRE