Plant breeding reviewed

Press, 29 February 1984, Page 33

Plant breeding reviewed

Wellington reporter A national review of plant breeding by the D.S.I.R. has been published. The book covers the history, achievements, and potential of plant breeding in New Zealand. It deals with agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and soil conservation, and includes a chapter on the implications for genetic techniques for the future of plant breeding. The glossy 300,000-word book was launched at Parliament Buildings by the Minister of Science, Dr Shearer, at a display of a number of novel exhibits reflecting the contribution plant breeding has made to the New Zealand economy.

They included novelty loaves of bread baked from Konini, a new purple wheat; new pasta products made from Durum wheat; marrowfat peas, which have a large export market in Asia as snack foods; beer brewed from hops bred at Riwaka in Nelson; samples of kiwifruit wine; new breeds of apricots and Gala apples, which are selling well in Europe; pepinos and avocados, for which exports are predicted; and a range of. new grasses and clovers. The D.S.I.R. estimated that 1.8 million hectares of South Island hill country could be developed by Maku Lots, a new legume with twice the yield of present varieties, Dr Shearer said.