Chinese scientists develop GE soil boost

Chinese scientists have developed genetically engineered forms of soybeans, rice and tomatoes capable of thriving in soil with high salt content.

The breakthrough brings hope that vast new land areas, previously unsuited for agricultural use, can now be cultivated, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Researchers at Shandong Normal University said they discovered a salt-resistant gene after sequencing the genes of suaeda salsa, a common plant found in saline soil in China.