A groundbreaking collaborative study between scientists from China and Britain has uncovered that at least 60% of the genetic diversity in a historic wheat collection remains unused. This significant finding opens new possibilities for enhancing modern wheat varieties and ensuring global food security.
The research, led by the Agricultural Genomics Institute in Shenzhen under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the John Innes Centre in the UK, was published in the latest issue of Nature. The extensive genetic pool identified in the historic collection provides an unprecedented opportunity to develop wheat strains that can better withstand environmental challenges and meet the growing demands of the global population.
By leveraging this rich genetic resource, scientists aim to innovate and improve wheat production, ensuring a sustainable and secure food future for communities worldwide.
Reference(s):
Chinese, British scientists tap unused historic wheat collection
cgtn.com
