Optimizing Genetic Diversity Of Wild Chickpea Species Boosts Nutrition And Sustainability
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 - 07:10
in Biology & Nature
A new research effort in Ethiopia seeks to improve the productivity of chickpea varieties by harnessing the genetic diversity of wild species.The federal Feed the Future Initiative is the latest rebranding of the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security initiative.Chickpea is the third most widely grown legume crop in the world, following soybean and bean, and it has the ability to capture and use atmospheric nitrogen, thus contributing to soil fertility. This five-year, $4 million research program could be important in the developing world, where the chickpea provides a crucial source of income, food security and nutrition to poor farmers. read more