Seed Lab to Study Climate Change Effect on Rice
Imagine giant refrigerators and microwave ovens.
A $10-million plant-growth facility, meant for the studies of the impact of climate change on rice production, has started operating at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) compound here.
Sprawled across a 3,000-square meter area, the Australian-funded facility has eight controlled environment glasshouses and large sets of plant and seed laboratories that can simulate weather conditions such as drought, flood and heat.
It allows researchers to “precisely control” temperature, humidity, light intensity, atmospheric gases and water management systems, an IRRI statement said.
“Fundamentally, (the facility will) enable scientists to simulate the effects of climate change,” said Bruce Tolentino, IRRI deputy director general for communication and partnerships, in an interview at the opening of the facility last week.
Eustaquio Santimano
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