clhs sciblog » biology genetics genome http://clhs-chawks.org/sciblog Musings on current happenings in science from our little slice of the world. Mon, 21 May 2012 19:54:38 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Potato Crop Hoped to Be Improved http://clhs-chawks.org/sciblog/index.php/2009/09/potatoe-crop-hoped-to-improved/ http://clhs-chawks.org/sciblog/index.php/2009/09/potatoe-crop-hoped-to-improved/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:01:38 +0000 trujilgl http://clhs-chawks.org/sciblog/?p=1246 Potatoes have been grown for as long as people can remember.  Except on Antarctica, they are grown on every continent. Scientists have recently sequenced the genome of the potato. This will help scientists figure out how to improve nutritional value, quality and quantity of potatoes, and prevent diseases. This study covers 95% of the potato genes. This project, known as the SolCAP, received a $5.4 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Potatoes are part of the Solanaceae family, which includes the eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and petunias. This means scientists research helps in the growth improvement of those vegetables also. One of the things they are focusing on is the the gene that involves growth and development.

The importance of this project is the increase of potato crop, as well as other vegetables. I personally think this is important. It may seem like a waste of scientists time. Especially with all the other major issues in the world, but this is important. This is increasing the food of the planet, and might lower the price because of the large quantity. This study could help contribute to hunger all around the world.

If you want to read more about this, click HERE.

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