Study on Application of Multivariate Analysis of Hyperspectral reflectance in monitoring the growth of genetically modified (GM) rice

Principal Investigator: Dr. Chen Jinsong

Start Date:	2007/01/19
End Date:	2008/04/01
Type of Grant:	Direct Grant for Research (2006-2007) - 1st Round

In the foreseeable future genetically modified (GM) rice will be ready for commercialization, including varieties with higher yields, greater tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses, resistance to herbicides, improved nutritional quality, and novel pharmaceutical proteins. But GM rice has generated concerns about transgene movement to landraces and wild relatives in centers of origin or diversity, and its genetic, ecological, and social consequences.

We propose to develop a new approach to monitor the growth and gene flow of GM rice. The primary objectives of the proposed research are to measure the hyperspectral reflectance of GM rice plants and analyze its spectral properties, evaluate the ability of hyperspectral data to discriminate between GM rice and non GM rice and monitor gene flow from GM rice.

The deliverables from the project should greatly contribute to establishment of a time and cost effective system for monitoring the growth and possible gene flow of GM rice, and can promote the development of remote sensing and biology gene technology.