A study into weeds by the University of Manchester shows plants could be developed to cope with global warming.
A team led by Dr Giles Johnson identified protein in a plant which could help increase crop yields. The study published in ‘Plant Physiology’, shows the gene gave the plant a greater capacity to photosynthesise.
The study, which focused on weeds in the cracks of pavements, also demonstrated the gene could then be transferred to important crops which are not as skilled at adapting to changes in the environment. Scientists at the University believe the ability to produce the protein could be bred into other plants through genetic modification or a selective breeding programme.
Dr Johnson of the Faculty of Life Sciences said: “Some members of the public have their misgivings about genetically modifying crops. However we urgently need to improve our crop yields and must use all the tools available to us.
“Climate change means increasing extreme weather; meanwhile the world’s population is growing and the use of fertilisers is expensive in terms of production and oil costs.
“If we wish to secure food production, we urgently need to breed plants with an increased ability to tolerate change in their environment.”
