Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing for Zinc Biofortification of Rice

Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing for Zinc Biofortification of Rice provides the first single-volume comprehensive resource on genetic engineering approaches, including novel genome editing techniques, to be carried out in rice, a staple crop for much of the world’s population. While zinc biofortification can be achieved through conventional breeding, genetic engineering, and agronomic practices, this book presents the latest developments, based on real-world experience and with targeted application. Dietary zinc deficiency can lead to negative health outcomes, including increased risk of stunting, respiratory diseases, diarrhea and mortality during childhood, and preterm births in pregnancy. Although providing access to diverse diet is an ideal solution to alleviate zinc deficiency, it may not be a viable solution in developing countries. Zinc biofortification, a process of increasing zinc concentration in the edible part of food crops, has been proposed as a sustainable approach that can reach people living in remote rural areas, complementing other interventions, such as supplementation and industrial fortification. Providing a complete view of the need for, and means of, zinc biofortification in rice, sections in this book discuss state-of-the-art scientific advances, and then goes further, placing them in their proper scientific, regulatory, and socioeconomic contexts. Thus, Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing for Zinc Biofortification of Rice is a valuable resource for graduate students, researchers, educators, librarians, and professionals in various kinds of institutions which focused on agriculture, environmental science, and plant science.