Scientists stop rice-killer fungus

Scientists have discovered a way to stop the spread of a fungus that destroys up to 30 per cent of the world’s rice crop each year – enough to feed 60million people.

The fungus rice blast is able to move stealthily between rice cells avoiding recognition by the plant’s immune system.

A team led by University of Exeter researchers discovered that it uses a single protein PMK1 for suppressing rice’s immunity. By manipulating this protein in the laboratory they were able to inhibit it and keep the fungus trapped within a cell.

Prof Nick Talbot, from Exeter, said: “This is an exciting breakthrough because we have discovered how the fungus is able to move stealthily between rice cells, evading recognition by the plant immune system.”

The research was published in the journal Science.