dallashistory

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090928/ap_ ... ato_genome

International research team cracks potato genome

By DAVID N. GOODMAN, Associated Press Writer David N. Goodman, Associated Press Writer
Quote:
DETROIT – A global team of researchers has mapped the genetic code of the world's most popular vegetable — the potato.

The draft of the potato genome released last week represents the work of more than 50 scientists from 16 institutions and will provide a starting point for other researchers to develop sturdier, more nutritious potatoes.

That's important because the potato is widely grown and plays a central role in feeding the world's 6.3 billion people, said Robin Buell, a Michigan State University plant biologist who worked on the project. The East Lansing school announced the results in the U.S.

"The potato is the most important vegetable worldwide," Buell said. "This report on potato (genes) is a major milestone in genome mapping."
End quote.

AAAHHH finally! We have discovered the ancestors of the Keebler elves!

Quote:
Researchers hope the potato genome will lead to a major breakthrough in their ability to develop varieties resistant to late blight and other diseases, according to the Scottish Crop Research Institute, another consortium member.

"Currently potato breeding takes about 10-12 years to develop a new variety," the institute said in a statement. "It is expected that being able to use the genome information will dramatically shorten the time taken to breed new varieties as well as reducing the cost."
End quote.

Who knows? Once they master selective breeding of potatoes, maybe they will clone young politicians who can spell it.

http://www.capitalcentury.com/1992.html

Just kidding. Glad to see you.