British scientists crack wheat’s genetic code

UK scientists have released draft sequences of the wheat genome, making a vital contribution to securing global food supplies.

The researchers also say their efforts could help farmers to develop new strains with greater yields.

Global wheat production has been under threat in recent years from increasing demand and climate change. The Russian heat wave this summer, which decimated wheat supplies and increased prices, was a glimpse into a possibly not so distant future.

Wheat is regarded as one of the most important crops for human consumption.

The results of the study, led by Neil Hall from the University of Liverpool, are available for public use.

Read the full story at The BBC