Biologists discover how to increase crop yields by fifty per cent

To achieve this, scientists have introduced an FTO gene to plants.

A new study published in Nature Biotechnology reveals that altering the RNA of plants can dramatically increase photosynthesis rates and help create resistance against drought. The fundamental role in this work is assigned to the FTO gene, which stimulates growth. The gene is already being transplanted into potatoes and rice from animals. First, however, scientists want to change their approach to avoid any "GMO" labels in the future.

The modified plants developed a much stronger root system and grew much faster. It also has been working well with both potatoes and rice, which are entirely different types of crops. This gives scientists hope that their approach may also be introduced to a wide variety of different plants to significantly increase future crop yields.