19/09/12: Mapping wheat genes; rice breeder; world leaders respond to rising food prices

Hello,

• Researchers at Nofima, Norway are working on tracing the genetic material of wheat with the aim of discovering which varieties are most robust.  Desirable properties include good wheat baking quality, resistance to unpredictable weather and high nutritional value.  Read more...

• Here's an unusual job title for you: rice breeder.  But before you laugh, read this. Rice breeder Dr Monty Jones from Sierra Leone has won a string of accolades for his work on the potential of different rice strains to alleviate famine.  This profile is a good overview of Dr Jones's career and successes including winning the 2004 World Food Prize and being named as one of Time magazine's Top 100 Influential People in the World in 2007. 

• Droughts across the world affected food prices but world leaders are showing 'prudence', says Reuters.  Read more...

Wheat at the anthesis stage. Face view (left) and side view (right) & Wheat ear at the late milk (Photo credit: Wikipedia)