Strawberry, chocolate gene codes cracked
Two separate research teams have sequenced the genomes of the wild strawberry and certain type of cacao used to make consumable chocolate.
According to a report published in Nature Genetics, about 29,000 genes, accounting for 76 percent of the estimated full genome of the Criollo variety of Theobroma cacao plant -- the source of much of the world’s high-quality and dark chocolate products, are decoded.
Researchers believe their finding may pave the way for the production of better varieties of cocoa that would be resistant to disease.
The second international team mapped the genome of wild strawberry to pave the way for the improvement of the sweetness and flavor of the fruit.
In addition, the wild strawberry is a close relative of some other popular fruits such as apples, peaches, and berries; uncovering its gene codes, therefore, may be useful in the production of new varieties of crops, particularly commercial strawberries, said Todd Mockler, of Oregon State University.
"Traditionally, strawberries have been bred for disease resistance, for firmness and for size and yield, and that doesn’t mention flavor and sweetness and all the really good table attributes," said Kevin Folta, from the University of Florida.
Source: presstv.ir
