Scientists evaluated the drought resistance of different chickpea varieties. They managed to show that this crop can be grown even in urban areas. Because of its drought tolerance, chickpeas may be central to the world’s food security. The research was published in the journal Journal of Plant Biotechnology.
Due to climate change, long-term droughts have become a reality in Central Europe and pose a serious threat to food security. There is also a decrease in the genetic diversity of crops: the world food system is becoming more and more homogeneous. Although there are approximately 7,000 edible crops, two-thirds of global food production relies on nine of them. Reduction in genetic diversity increases the susceptibility of plants to diseases and pests and reduces resistance to drought and climate change.
Currently, chickpeas are not among the plants that form the basis of the global diet. In a new study, scientists managed to grow many different varieties of chickpeas under drought conditions during a field experiment in the Vienna city area. They also identified the most resistant varieties using artificial intelligence.
“Different cultivars and wild species exhibit very different mechanisms to cope with persistent drought stress. This natural genetic diversity is particularly important to combat climate change and ensure plant survival. Scientists predict that legumes such as chickpeas will be the future of the future due to their high protein content and drought resistance.” He stated that he had food.
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Source: Gazeta
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