A non-GM way to develop crops that enhance health for both them and the soil and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers is welcome news for farmers and gardeners.

"The team led by Charpentier (at the John Innes Centre in Norfolk) has announced that it has discovered a mutation in the legume Medicago truncatula which enhances partnerships with bacteria and fungi that supply the roots with nitrogen and phosphorus. This process improves the plant’s take-up of nutrients."

#FarmingNews #farming #agriculture #AgricultureNews #gardening #johninnescentre

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/22/uk-soil-breakthrough-could-cut-farm-fertiliser-use-and-advance-sustainable-agriculture?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

A UK-Chinese collaboration has sequenced the #DNA of all the 827 kinds of #wheat, assembled by #Watkins, that have been nurtured at the #JohnInnesCentre near #Norwich for most of the past century.

This genetic goldmine has enabled the pinpointing of previously unknown #genes that are now being used to create hardier varieties with improved yields despite more difficult conditions.

Goldmine’ collection of wheat from 100 years ago may help feed the world, scientists say
https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/jul/14/goldmine-collection-of-wheat-from-100-years-ago-may-help-feed-the-world-scientists-say