Callaghan NSW, Australia
July 22, 2009
University of Newcastle
researchers have achieved a major scientific breakthrough in the
quest to protect crop longevity, yield and quality.
Scientists at the University-based Australia-China Research
Centre for Crop Improvement have identified a gene in tomatoes
that can be 'knocked-out' to create sweeter fruit and
longer-lasting leaves.
The gene - INVINH1 - played a major role in limiting the amount
of sugar delivered to each part of the plant and if prevented
from expressing itself more sugar (glucose and fructose) could
be delivered to specific parts of the plants including seeds and
fruits. When applied to other fruits and vegetables, the
technology could increase crop seed yield, fruit quality, and
lengthen shelf life.
Centre Director Associate Professor Yong-Ling Ruan, from the
University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences, said the
discovery resulted from a need to consider the long-term
security of food supply.
"With predictions the global population may double over the next
50 years, scientists are concerned about the pressure on the
world’s natural resources," Associate Professor Ruan said.
"Faced with the impact of climate change and population
increases on food supply, our research is helping to meet the
challenge of how to sustain and improve crop yield and quality."
The research has been published in the July 2009 edition of
The Plant Cell, the
world's top ranking plant science journal.
The Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement was
established in October 2008 and is hosted by the University of
Newcastle and the
Zhejiang
Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hangzhou, China. Partner
groups also include the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Zhejiang
University.
"A major focus of the Centre is to improve the productivity of
key food crops and make them more adaptable to climate change,"
Associate Professor Ruan said.
"The breakthrough is an exciting development that has resulted
from the collaborative focus of the Centre.
"It is this kind of research we hope will lead to improved crops
that could help feed and clothe millions of people in a time of
climate crisis." |
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