Genome breakthrough heralds new dawn for agriculture
source: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/genome-breakthrough-heralds-new-dawn-for-agricultu...
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The decoding of the wheat genome means breeders can take shortcuts when it comes to breeding wheat which can resist diseases.
The article points out a leading British Scientists says this would not entail GM science, but the genome information "will also prove invaluable for scientists if they did want to directly change the DNA of the wheat plant."-Independent. However, comments on the article highlight the concern over GM use.
The article highlights the issue over a fall in crop yield and a increase in demand, it's reported food production will have to increase by 50% over the next 40 years due to population.
"And rather than guard their knowledge, the British scientists responsible for the research will today place a draft version of the genome online, making it available for free to wheat breeders around the world"-Independent
Crop diseases like Ug99 Stem Rust has spread to Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen and possible even in Iran. With breeders trying to create a resistant strain to stop the disease that can destroy crop yields.
The article points out a leading British Scientists says this would not entail GM science, but the genome information "will also prove invaluable for scientists if they did want to directly change the DNA of the wheat plant."-Independent. However, comments on the article highlight the concern over GM use.
The article highlights the issue over a fall in crop yield and a increase in demand, it's reported food production will have to increase by 50% over the next 40 years due to population.
"And rather than guard their knowledge, the British scientists responsible for the research will today place a draft version of the genome online, making it available for free to wheat breeders around the world"-Independent
Crop diseases like Ug99 Stem Rust has spread to Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen and possible even in Iran. With breeders trying to create a resistant strain to stop the disease that can destroy crop yields.
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