A massive hunt for genes that code for agronomically important traits in crops and livestock is now in progress in the UK. The GAIT (Genomic Analysis Agriculturally Important Traits) programme involves at least fourteen British research institutions. It includes support for a collaborative programme between the Roslin Institute and the Long Ashton Research station. The research is intended to develop an automated system for selecting the best new combinations of genes for pigs, and for studies at the Institute for Animal Health into genes that confer resistance to disease, including salmonella.
Oxford University scientists have found a way to alter the starch content of potatoes which is expected to lead to healthier chips, as well as to potatoes of higher nutritional value. Dr Steven Hill of the Oxford Department of Plant Sciences has discovered a way to lower the levels of an enzyme which is responsible for the process of respiration in the potato. This then causes a change in a signal, which 'tells' the potato that it needs more starch than it would normally make.
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