Sejong University Develops World's First Rice Variety Adapted to Both Temperate and Tropical Regions

Professor Jin Jung-hyun of Sejong University is showing the rice variety 'Sebi,' for which he registered a patent. (Provided by Sejong University)

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Sejong University announced on the 7th that a research team led by Professor Jin Jung-hyun from the Department of Smart Bio-Industry Convergence has developed and patented the world's first rice variety adapted to both temperate and tropical regions.

The rice variety 'Sevi,' which responds to climate change, is a strong rice that can save water and fertilizer even under subtropical conditions and withstand high temperatures. It was created by combining 'Pup1,' which improves drought tolerance and fertilizer absorption, with the variety 'Asemi,' which adapts to both temperate and tropical regions. Additionally, the research team developed the world's first 'IPSA' variety by introducing genes that adapt to drought, fertilizer absorption, and direct seeding into the tropical indica variety 'IR64,' which is the most popular in Southeast Asia and South Asia, preserving the yield and quality of the existing variety.

This project was able to continue development with support from the Plant Molecular Breeding Project Group and the National Research Foundation of Korea. Professor Jin said, "By utilizing the developed varieties, we expect to understand the scientific principles that ensure productivity and quality even under climate change and to develop superior crops."

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