Genetic prints for plants
The technique known as “genetic fingerprinting,” now coming into use by police to identify criminals, is being applied also to improve vegetable crops. The techniques, developed in Britain, allow scientists to look direct at the genetic imprints in D.N.A. Similar methods are now being applied to vegetable D.N.A., by scientists at the Institute of Horticultural Research in the English Midlands. The London Press Services’ “Science and Technology News” reports that
an initial application could be the registration of new vegetable varieties by plant breeders. In the past, trials taking two or three years have been needed to prove the uniqueness, uniformity, and stability of any new strain. Genetic fingerprinting could rapidly provide the proof and help protect breeder’s rights. The institute’s work is focusing on carrots, brassicas, and onions.
One proposed application of the new techniques is the identification of the gene which gives resistance to carrot fly.
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Press, 20 November 1987, Page 3
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152Genetic prints for plants Press, 20 November 1987, Page 3
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