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As the world’s population grows, so does its need for food. Consequently, we need more tools to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
A research team led by the University of Copenhagen has discovered a microscopic thing with the potential to make an enormous difference a microProtein that can control the physical shape of plants including barley and rice and potentially make them more productive. The microProtein has been named LITTLE NINJA.
“By increasing LITTLE NINJA levels, we have been able to observe plants that are smaller and bushier. That is, we can force a plant to take on a different shape. This is a coveted feature of crop plants, as it makes them more resistant to wind. More side shoots can also result in more flowers and thereby more fruit. By adjusting the amount of LITTLE NINJA in a plant, there is a potential for more productive and sustainably grown crops,” explains Associate Professor Stephan Wenkel of the University of Copenhagen’s D