Scientists at the International Center for Wheat and Maize Improvement (CIMMYT) in Mexico have developed wheat varieties that yield 50% more under drought conditions.
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If temperatures rise by an additional 2 degrees Celsius, wheat yields in warmer countries like India and Pakistan will drop by 15% (Image: AP) |
To create these drought-resistant wheat varieties, researchers first synthesized wheat from emmer wheat and goat grass. They then crossed the synthetic wheat with conventional wheat.
This technique was developed 15 years ago and is now beginning to show its value. The reason is that drought, climate change, and diseases threaten wheat, a staple crop that provides food for 2 billion people.
According to wheat breeder Richard Trethowan, the new wheat varieties may look unattractive but carry valuable genes. They continue to grow in extremely dry and hot environments. The drought resistance trait is sourced from goat grass.
In addition, CIMMYT has developed wheat varieties with other valuable traits, such as 50% higher iron content and 80% more zinc compared to conventional wheat.
Minh Sơn
