Wheat genome boost to food supply

[knightofalbion]

UK scientists have released draft sequences of the wheat genome, which they think could make a vital contribution to securing global food supplies.
The researchers also say their efforts could help British farmers to develop new strains with greater yields.
Global wheat production has been under threat in recent years from increasing demand and climate change.
Wheat is regarded as one of the most important crops for human consumption
- BBC Ceefax 27/8/2010

(Note: This is not GM. In theory, cracking the wheat genome, and other crops, could significantly increase crop yield per acre.)

[jfh]

Maybe not GM as we know it today. For nearly 100 years, farmers have known that wheat needs to be hybridized about every 7 year. Otherwise, it will revert to its primitive nature.

[knightofalbion]

This might explain things better than I can...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11099378

http://www.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/...00/8948631.stm

[jfh]

That is significant. They aren't calling it genetic modification, but sequencing. I really don't know the difference. I guess GM introduces new genes, and sequencing makes various current genes more dominant.

Now, if only they could do something about gluten.