OK, which is the world's most important grain: wheat, rice, corn, or soybeans? It's an interesting question and doubtless there are good arguments to be made for each.
Now all four have had their genetic sequence decoded. The latest is wheat, after rice in 2005, corn in 2009, and soybeans earlier this year.
One researcher said the information could help scientists better identify genetic variations responsible for disease resistance, drought tolerance and yield. Also improved varieties could result in lower prices for bread and greater food security for the world's poor.
New strains "are crucial to meet increased demand from growing and more prosperous populations, confront the challenges of climate change and looming scarcities of land, water, and fertilizer, and avoid global food shortages and price spikes that particularly harm the poor."
One question which lingers for me concerns the implications of Genetically Modified (GM) grains. Are they an absolute panacea with no drawbacks?
Back to my original question. I would say wheat is the most important grain. What would we do without bread and other wonderful applications in baking and cooking? I may be wrong...
