Unveiling the Secrets of Joha Rice: How a Little Change Makes a Big Difference

Assam's Joha rice is beloved worldwide for its delightful aroma, taste, and nutritional value, making it a high-priced commodity in both local and international markets. However, traditional Joha rice varieties aren't very productive due to their strong scent and sensitivity to daylength, which affects their growth. Crossing these varieties with non-aromatic high-yielding rice (HYV) can boost yields but often results in a loss of quality. This is where mutation breeding comes in, offering a sustainable way to create desirable traits by inducing genetic changes. In a recent study, scientists focused on a unique mutant Joha rice that doesn't respond to daylength changes. This mutant was discovered in a group of plants (M2 generation) that had been exposed to gamma rays, a process known as mutation breeding. The study aimed to understand the genetic basis of this photoperiod insensitivity.The key to this mutant's special trait lies in a tiny deletion in a specific part of a gene called Hd1. This gene is found in the second exon, a part of the gene that helps control the plant's response to different daylengths throughout the year. This small change makes a big difference, allowing the rice to grow well regardless of the season. This discovery is significant because it provides a new way to improve the yield of aromatic rice without sacrificing its quality. By understanding and using this natural mutation, farmers can grow high-quality Joha rice all year round, potentially increasing their income and feeding more people.