Genome sequence of 90 chickpea genotypes complete
A global research team led by the International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), have succeeded in decoding the genome sequence of the CDC Frontier chickpea variety and genome sequence of 90 cultivated and wild genotypes from 10 different countries.
How would it help?
- It will scientist to develop more resilient and diverse variety of chickpeas which can endure climate change as well as improvement in grain yields and quality, greater drought and disease resistance. The breakthrough will also be used to harness genetic diversity by broadening the genetic base of cultivated chickpea gene pool.
About Chickpea:
- Second largest cultivated grain food legume in the world.
- Cultivated in about 11.5 million hectares mostly by resource poor farmers in the semi-arid tropics.
- Source of income generation and improved livelihoods of small farmers in African countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya.
Significance for India:
- India is the largest producer of chickpea.
- Important from both commercial as well as nutritional point of view for India as it provides cheap and rich source of protein which can address the problem protein malnutrition.
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Month: Current Affairs - February, 2013
Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs