Tech & Sci
14:46, 19-Sep-2017
Scientists unravels genome of African staple crop
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Researchers said Monday they have sequenced the genetic code of dry zone food pearl millet, the staple food of an estimated 100 million people.
Sequencing the genome will help the search for new varieties with higher yields and better resistance to climate change, they reported in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
An Indian farmer displays grains and seeds at the Millet Fest 2012 in Hyderabad. /AFP Photo
An Indian farmer displays grains and seeds at the Millet Fest 2012 in Hyderabad. /AFP Photo
Wheat, corn and rice have been well studied, but relatively little is known about pearl millet, which has grown in Africa for 4,500 years.
The small round cereal–Pennisetum glaucum, to give its scientific name–grows quickly even in poor soil and with very little water. It is likely to be highly solicited in areas where climate change will heighten water stress.
"Millet will perform much better than corn in the climate of the future," said Yves Vigouroux, a geneticist with France's Institute for Research Development (IRD).
Source(s): AFP