July 12, 2010

Mexico develops pest resistant wheat

Mexican scientists have developed a new variety of wheat that is resistant to leaf rust, a fungus that attacks the plant.

It is expected to reduce the use of fungicides and boost grain production, the Agriculture Secretariat said.

Scientists from the National Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research Institute (INIFAP) developed the wheat. The study was conducted from 2006-2009 in Yaqui Valley in northern Sonora state. The output from the new variety was similar to that of common wheat strains.

Mexico annually produces about 4.5 million tonnes of wheat, cultivated in 20 of the country's 32 states.