Genetic modification could stop wheat rust epidemic

The following is an edited excerpt.

Sr35 has been identified as a gene that enables resistance to a new race, or strain, of stem rust, a disease that is producing large wheat yield losses throughout Africa and Asia and threatening global food security.

Previous resistance genes that had proven effective for fighting the disease for 50 years are ineffective against this new race. Scientists are now looking for new sources of resistance to protect the global wheat crop, which millions of people depend on for food.

By transferring this gene to commercial wheat varieties, wheat breeders will have a distinct advantage in controlling the epidemic, the researchers say.

Related on the SLP

Wheat gene discovery could fend off deadly stem rust pathogen threatening global food security GM disease-resistant wheat closer to commercialization after successful field trial

Challenging creation of a ‘vaccine injury clinic,’ NIH research scientists rebuke Kennedy for politicizing and undermining science

How the “wellness” movement has turned into a rigid cultural belief system

Vaccines, religious freedom, and protecting children’s health: New York Amish appeal to Supreme Court after $118,000 in vaccine fines for blocking shots

Read the full post here: Genetic Modification Could Stop Wheat Rust Epidemic