Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service have pinpointed a gene mutation in peach trees that allows them to escape the effects of spring frosts.
The discovery could have far-reaching implications in agriculture and horticulture, allowing farmers to grow crops that are more resilient to the effects of human-caused changes in weather patterns.
The researchers at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station in West Virginia discovered a genetic mutation in one of the germplasm genes in a late-flowering peach, which modifies floral development in response to external temperature.
Now that scientists have discovered this genetic mutation, they can potentially apply it to other types of crops, allowing them to be planted at more beneficial times with more predictable harvests.
Plant scientists can do amazing things these days with the help of a gene-editing technology called CRISPR, which allows them to make precise changes to plants’ DNA. This can be used to make more compact crops or crops that require less water.
As our weather patterns continue to evolve, many types of crops are becoming more difficult to grow. While gene editing does not completely solve that problem, it will likely be an important tool for ensuring that global food supplies don’t fall short.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
As someone who has been a supporter of biotechnology since the early 1970’s, it is exciting to see developments such as this emerge into commercialization. The original experimentation with biotech focused almost entirely on changing a product to be resistant to a particular chemical or insect. Today, through the refinement of gene splicing, it is possible to change other traits to help maximize the growing environment. At some juncture, scientists will also be more adept at cultivating plants to produce more desirable traits as it relates to nutrition, taste, texture, etc. We have come a long way already in the adoption of biotech solutions. Be sure you use all the technology we offer through CAD – especially AgTruckTrader.com®. It can help you reach more farmers and ranchers and eventually lead to increased truck sales.
