马铃薯有望高产
科学家初次破解了马铃薯这种作物的全部基因组。这一成效刊登在最新一期的《天然》期刊上。这一突破或有助于提升马铃薯产值。
The humble1 potato is in fact the world‘s fourth largest food crop, with a global annual yield of around 330 million tonnes.
In an international project lasting2 several years, researchers have successfully recorded its complete chemical blueprint3, deciphering and organising hundreds of millions of pieces of genetic4 coding.
By mapping the plant‘s genome scientists can locate the genes5 that control various traits, like colour, starchiness and flavour, leading to the creation of improved varieties at a much quicker pace.
Professor Iain Gordon from the James Hutton Institute in Dundee, which headed the British team, said the genome sequence would allow breeders to develop new types that are more nutritious6, resistant7 to pests and diseases and easier to cultivate.
He said the breakthrough could help to meet the challenge of feeding the world‘s soaring population.
