In a breakthrough that could revolutionize global agriculture, researchers in China have uncovered two genes in sorghum that fight off Striga, a parasitic plant responsible for wiping out billions in crops annually. The discovery, powered by AI-driven analysis, opens doors to developing pest-resistant crops worldwide.
Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the study highlights how AI predicted critical amino acid sites in strigolactone transporters—think of it as a molecular 'detective' pinpointing weaknesses in the parasite’s survival strategy. Led by Professor Xie Qi’s team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the project involved collaboration across six institutions.
Why it matters: Striga devastates staple crops like rice and maize, threatening food security in Africa and Asia. With climate change amplifying agricultural challenges, this innovation could empower farmers to grow more resilient harvests.
Next steps? Scientists aim to edit these genes in other crops, blending CRISPR tech with AI modeling. For young innovators, this is a reminder: the future of farming is equal parts lab coats and laptops.
The discovery, powered by AI-driven analysis, opens doors to developing pest-resistant crops worldwide.
pinpointing weaknesses in the parasite’s survival strategy. Led by Professor Xie Qi’s team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the project involved collaboration across six institutions.
Why it matters: Striga devastates staple crops like rice and maize, threatening food security in Africa and Asia. With climate change amplifying agricultural challenges, this innovation could empower farmers to grow more resilient harvests. 
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