Genetically modified wheat can resist droughts
30 Jun 2008, 1444 Hrs

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London, June 30 (ANI): Scientists have determined that genetically modified (GM) wheat would be able to beat the Australian heat as it is drought resistant, thus proving lucrative for the country's farmers.

According to a report in New Scientist, faced with climate change and a growing food crisis, ustralian farmers are now getting over their aversion to GM technology.

Of 24 strains of GM wheat tested in field trials, two lines exceeded the yield of the non-GM variety by 20 per cent under drought conditions, according to German Spangenberg of the Victoria Department of Primary Industries in Melbourne, Australia.

Another point of persuasion for Australian farmers is that the forecast for this year's wheat crop has just been trimmed by 9 per cent because of dry conditions, although it may still be up by 10 million tonnes compared to last year's drought-devastated crop. (ANI)