Swiss scientists have uncovered a gene that prevents grasses from self-pollinating, a discovery that could aid the cultivation of crops such as rice.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Research at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich found two genes that produce three types of protein that stop in-breeding of grasses.
They recognise whether pollen is too genetically similar and send signals to interrupt the fertilisation process.
ETH Zurich combined forces with scientists in Denmark, Wales and the United States in a 15-year hunt for the genes.
“We owe the breakthrough to advances in genome analysis. This has only recently allowed us to quickly and comprehensively sequence the entire genome of an individual organism,” said ETH Zurich lead scientist Bruno Studer.
The new findings, recently published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, open up new possibilities for breeding grasses.
For example, grasses that have lost the ability to inhibit self-pollination can be adjusted to prevent in-breeding.
On the other hand, this process can also be switched off to produce uniform crops.
More
More
Explainer: the controversy behind genome editing our food
This content was published on
What’s behind the science and the debate on genome-edited plants?
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
This content was published on
The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
Switzerland remains ‘world’s most innovative country’
This content was published on
Switzerland remains the world's most innovative country, still ahead of Sweden and the US on the WIPO Global Innovation Index.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Genome editing’s patent problem fuels concern for the future of food
This content was published on
Genome editing is touted as a solution to feeding a planet battered by climate change. But an outdated patent system could stifle its potential.
This content was published on
Scientists are hoping to use the occasion to ease Swiss fears of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Polls have repeatedly shown that the average Swiss is against GMOs, and politicians have been forced to take notice of public opinion. Last week, the House of Representatives voted in favour of a five-year moratorium on the use of…
This content was published on
A Swiss documentary asks how the world will be fed in just a few decades when global warming causes major losses in food production.
This content was published on
The Federal Environment Office has approved more field trials of genetically modified crops under controlled conditions in Switzerland.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.