Gene Research Yields Clue to Helping Wheat Withstand Aluminum in Soil
From Times staff and wire reports
Analyzing the genes in rye, scientists have pinpointed a gene that allows the plant to grow in soil loaded with aluminum, raising the possibility that wheat can be endowed with an ability to withstand the usually toxic metal. About 5 billion acres worldwide are hostile to wheat because of aluminum deposits. Scientists led by J. Perry Gustafson of the U.S. Department of Agriculture spent eight years studying rye and wheat genes.
