Cracking the Genetic Code of America's Beloved Snack
A study conducted by the University of Illinois has revealed the genetic diversity present in popcorn, which could potentially lead to the development of improved varieties of the popular snack. Researchers analyzed the genomes of 320 popcorn lines and identified over 308,000 genetic variations. This diversity could be beneficial for enhancing the agronomic performance of popcorn, such as disease resistance and herbicide tolerance. The study also found that popcorn can be grouped based on genetic similarities, allowing breeders to predict the performance of crosses between different lines. Additionally, the research shed light on the genetic basis of herbicide tolerance in popcorn, which could lead to the development of more tolerant cultivars.