Scientists in Thailand have discovered the gene responsible for making rice aromatic and have now taken out a patent to protect the know-how from rival rice producing nations, including Australia.

The team has found that a genetic mutation is responsible for the fragrant aroma of jasmine rice. Of the 50,000 genes in jasmine rice, eight genetic characters do not work.

In laboratory tests, the team has successfully changed non-fragrant Japanese rice into fragrant rice. It says the technique can be applied to improve other crops including wheat, corn and soybeans. Australian researchers have since repeated the feat.