'Goldmine' collection of wheat from 100 years ago may help feed the world
A century-old wheat collection by Arthur Watkins aids UK-China research. DNA sequencing of 827 varieties reveals new genes for robust, high-yield wheat. Traits target challenges like soil salinity, diseases, and emissions. Preserving genetic diversity crucial for food security.
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A century-old collection of wheat samples gathered by plant scientist Arthur Watkins is proving to be a genetic goldmine for scientists. Collaborating between the UK and China, researchers have sequenced the DNA of 827 wheat varieties from Watkins' collection. This effort has unveiled previously unknown genes that are now being utilized to develop robust wheat varieties with improved yields. These new strains are designed to thrive in challenging conditions such as salty soil, resist diseases, and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, which contribute to carbon emissions. The project aims to address the increasing demand for wheat as the global population grows and climate change impacts agriculture. By tapping into the genetic diversity preserved in Watkins' collection, scientists are reviving lost traits that could play a crucial role in ensuring food security in a changing world. Watkins' foresight in preserving genetic diversity in wheat varieties is now seen as a pioneering effort that is highly valuable for modern plant breeding initiatives.
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3 commentsFor further reading about his story, I can highly recommend „The Wizard and the Prophet“ by Charles C. Mann [2].
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Borlaug [2] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34959327
1. A long term human readable storage format that will stand the test of a 1000+ years.
2. A database system that works easily and well to catalog things like the DNA of every living plant and animal
A great mandate for the library of congress or the national archives
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