Discovery of genetic switch could help turn rice into a perennial crop

Rice is a vital crop that feeds more than half of the world's population. In the wild, many rice species are perennials that live for several years, but the varieties we eat today are typically annuals that must be replanted every season. That is an expensive process for farmers requiring continual labor, seeds and field preparation to keep up with demand. But a cheaper solution may be on the way one day.