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Ancient Wheat

Roughly six percent of the world's arable land is compromised by levels of salinity that prevent most crops from being grown. That in mind,...

Patrick James
By Patrick JamesFeb 09, 2007
Patrick James
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Roughly six percent of the world's arable land is compromised by levels of salinity that prevent most crops from being grown. That in mind, researchers from the Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) have successfully discovered two genes that come from a wheat ancestor (Triticum monococcum) whose breeding suggests that a salt tolerant wheat crop is feasible. True, it's not exactly organic. One might even argue that it's genetically engineered (what with all engineering of the wheat's genetics). But prospective advancements in the production of food are always intriguing. And the name "Ancient Wheat" would look stunning on the shelves of grocer's cereal aisles.

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