English botanist's century-old seed collection could save the world

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Arthur Ernest Watkins (1898-1967) British scientist who worked in the field of plant biology during the first half of the twentieth century. Naturally “Reserved and shy”However, it did not fail to excel by saving us from devastating famines. That's all. Being a pioneer in plant genetics, the botanist enjoyed collecting wheat samples from thirty-two different countries during the 1920s and 1930s.

today Preserved at the John Innes CentreLocated in Norwich (Eastern England), these samples form the largest global collection of their kind. The latter contains an impressive genetic diversity that could help protect wheat from climate threats and diseases. Popular Mechanics Magazine Development.

The Arthur E. Watkins Collection was assembled beginning in 1928, and has recently been the subject of study by scientists from John Innes Centre and the Agricultural Genomics Institute in Shenzhen, China. By sequencing the 827 existing varieties, the researchers discovered that modern wheat contains only 40% of this genetic diversity. Published on June 17 in the scientific journal NatureThese results indicate that 60% of the useful genes present in the Arthur E. Watkins samples are absent in contemporary taxa.

“We have discovered that Arthur E. Watkins' original lines are full of beneficial variations that are simply absent in modern wheat and need to be incorporated into modern breeding.”I declare Simon Griffithsco-author of the study and a researcher at the John Innes Centre, In a press release.

Seeds in the service of humanity

Research shows that of the seven ancestral populations in the English botanist’s collection, only two are used in modern plant breeding. This genetic diversity could help us develop wheat strains that are more resistant to fungal diseases and harsh weather conditions. For example, the gene identified in Arthur E. Watkins’ samples, In a separate studyProvides effective resistance against so-called wheat diseases. “coal” And against Powdery mildew.

These findings could also be important in combating climate change. They could make it possible to create varieties that require less nitrogen fertilizer, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

With resources like Watkins and Wheat Worldwidean information platform dedicated to the genomic study of wheat, science is opening the way to more resilient and sustainable agriculture, in the face of enormous challenges (especially climate). It remains to be seen whether Arthur E. Watkins, when he collected his seeds, thought he would become the protagonist in the wheat story or whether he simply became an unwilling hero.