Перейти к содержанию сайта
The New Potato
Article

The New Potato

Breeders seek a breakthrough to help farmers facing an uncertain future

Science, 2019


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Eye Opening
  • Engaging

Recommendation

The ubiquitous potato, a worldwide food staple, suffers from climate change and growing human populations. As developing countries increasingly depend on tubers for nutrition security, researchers work to develop strains resistant to drought, heat, disease and bug infestations. The lengthy process includes a mix of traditional breeding and genetic manipulation. Scientists cross standard varieties with wild potatoes containing desirable new traits, often discovered in remote locations. Can potatoes contribute to solving world hunger?

Take-Aways

  • More than a billion people use potatoes as a food staple, but demand exceeds supply in some regions.
  • Potato breeding requires collecting wild species in remote corners of the world.
  • Researchers have worked for decades to reproduce potato species with certain desired traits.

About the Author

Erik Stokstad is a reporter for Science magazine, covering environmental issues and research.


Comment on this summary or Начать обсуждение