Building on an idea from a researcher in the 1920s, British and Chinese scientists have successfully sequenced the DNA of more than 800 varieties of wheat, a technique that will help feed the planet.
The young English agricultural scientist Arthur Ernest Watkins says he collected more than a thousand different wheat seeds from 32 countries, John Innes Centre.
This group is a gold mine for scientists and for the future, according to a study published in the journal nature.
“His idea was very avant-garde.”
“His idea was very progressive. He understood that genetic diversity, in this case of wheat, was eroding and we really needed to prevent that.” Simon Griffiths, a geneticist at the John Innes Centre, explains.
The British-Chinese team of scientists has sequenced 827 wheat varieties, including those preserved by researcher Arthur Ernest Watkins. Thanks to these ancient varieties of rare quality, it will be possible to produce wheat varieties that are more resistant and adapted to the environment, according to an article in geography.
“A huge difference in our ability to feed the planet.”
Currently, one in five calories consumed by the population (i.e. 20%) comes from wheat. The media explains that the demand for this grain is increasing as the world population grows. Osbeck and Rika.
“This work will make a huge difference to our ability to feed the planet at a time when the climate is warming and agriculture is under increasing climate stress,” Simon Griffiths told British media. Watchman.
