July 7, 2005

UK scientists developing new wheat varieties to increase yield
 

UK scientists have been working on new wheat varieties that combine the best characteristics of British and Mexican wheat, in a bid to improve productivity and sustainability of domestic agriculture.

Central American wheat varieties have bigger and more fertile ears while UK varieties have smaller ears but higher capacities for photosynthesis.

The scientists have been working with the International Centre for Wheat and Maize Improvement in Mexico, using techniques such as comparative genetics, developmental biology and plant physiology, to aid understanding about why Mexican varieties have bigger ears.

If the cross between the UK and Mexican varieties is successful, the UK would be able to potentially increase domestic wheat yields in a sustainable way, without needing extra water or fertilisers.

The crossed wheat varieties would be expected to thrive in the UK's climate while producing much higher yields than traditional UK wheat, according to one British scientist.

More than 14 million tonnes of wheat was produced annually in the UK and about 1.8 million hectares of wheat were planted, according to official figures for 2003.