Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency has developed several potential new cassava varieties through the application of nuclear technology that can be harvested within six months, nearly half the 11 to 12 months required for local varieties. Its Agrotechnology and Biosciences Division research officer Norazlina Noordin stated that these new varieties, developed through research that began in 2021, recorded higher yields compared with control planting materials and are expected to have commercialisation potential within the next two years.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Norazlina explained that the five- to six-year research project began with the aim of developing new cassava varieties with a shorter maturity period without compromising yields. She highlighted the problem with local cassava varieties, which typically take 11 to 12 months to harvest. The objective of the study was to shorten the harvesting period. Norazlina expressed satisfaction with the research outcomes, which produced several potential new varieties capable of reducing the harvesting period to six months while maintaining higher yields compared to the original varieties.
The project, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, received support from the International Atomic Energy Agency, including a research grant of about RM100,000 over five years. The Department of Agriculture also provided support with planting areas for screening planting materials after they had undergone the application of nuclear technology. The process involved exposing cassava stem cuttings to gamma radiation to identify changes that produced the desired characteristics.
Norazlina assured that the process does not cause the planting materials to contain radioactive residue, as gamma radiation simply passes through the material, similar to an X-ray examination. She emphasized the safety of the process, noting that it is crucial to ensure that the desired characteristics, such as early maturity and high yield, remain stable across generations.
The same nuclear technology can be applied to develop crop varieties more resistant to diseases, pests, and changes in weather conditions. However, Norazlina pointed out that the screening process presents a significant challenge due to the random nature of genetic changes, requiring researchers to evaluate large numbers of plants over an extended period.
Developing crops of this nature typically takes at least six to seven years before researchers can be confident about the stability of the new varieties. The research also extends to several other crops, including bananas, sweet potatoes, and taro, focusing on developing varieties with higher yields and greater resistance to diseases and pests. Additionally, the research involves kenaf for industrial uses and Napier grass for livestock feed.
Norazlina concluded that the application of nuclear technology in agriculture aims not only to increase productivity but also to strengthen the country's food security and safety.