Tag

Plant Breeding

All articles tagged with #plant breeding

agriculture-and-food1 year ago•8 min saved

"Orphan Crops: Thriving in a Changing Climate to Feed the World"

"Orphan crops" are traditional plant varieties that have been neglected in favor of major crops like corn, wheat, and rice, but could offer advantages in a changing climate. A new campaign called Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) aims to revive these "opportunity crops" and promote their adoption, with a focus on Africa and Asia. By supporting plant breeders and developing new, productive varieties, the initiative seeks to make these nutritious and climate-resilient crops more available and affordable for consumers, addressing concerns about diet diversity and the impact of climate change on agriculture.

via NPR|

#agriculture #agriculture-and-food #climate-change

food-and-agriculture1 year ago•4 min saved

"The Domestication of Lentils: A Key Factor in Human Societal Advancement"

Lentils, cultivated for at least 10,000 years, played a crucial role in early human societies as a significant source of protein alongside wheat and barley. Genetic research has revealed that today's domesticated lentils are descendants of a single wild species, and efforts are underway to identify genetic traits for resistance to extreme conditions and diseases. With increasing demand for plant-based protein sources due to climate concerns, lentils are gaining renewed attention, leading to a rise in production and exploration of their potential in different regions.

via BBC.com|

#agriculture #domestication #food-and-agriculture

science-and-agriculture2 years ago•3 min saved

"The Genetic Mystery Behind Diverse Arabica Coffee Flavors"

A study on the genome of Coffea arabica, the species responsible for 56% of all coffee sold, has revealed that despite minimal genetic variation at the DNA level, there are significant differences in flavor profiles and other characteristics due to wholesale swapping, deletion, and rearrangement of chromosomes. The genome sequencing will be a valuable resource for coffee breeders, aiding in the development of disease-resistant and climate-resilient coffee varieties.

via Nature.com|

#arabica #coffee #genetics

science-and-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the 'Sweet Lupin': A Potential Protein Powerhouse

Researchers have identified the "sweetness gene" responsible for low alkaloid levels in lupins, a legume high in protein and fiber. This discovery may make it easier to produce more palatable lupin plants, which are nutritious and easy to grow. The findings provide a reliable genetic marker for plant breeders to consistently grow sweet lupins, potentially leading to increased cultivation of these high-protein plants for human consumption.

via Phys.org|

#genetic-marker #lupins #plant-breeding