Hybrid rice could put the carbon in our carbs

A new breed of rice that is a hybrid of an annual Asian rice and a perennial African rice could be a more sustainable option, according to Australian and international research. The researchers say perennial rice, which can last multiple harvest seasons, is more cost effective and accumulates more organic carbon and nitrogen, improving soil quality compared to annual rice. The researchers say the hybrid rice was able to produce grain for eight consecutive harvests over four years at a yield comparable to the standard annual Asian rice, with much lower costs and labour.