biodiversity
Latin America poised to lead the next 50 years in food systems and agrobiodiversity research
CGIAR centers make strong case for Latin America as the best place for investing in solutions to overcome challenges to global agriculture from climate change, pandemics and more.
‘Seeds for Needs’ approach to develop climate resilient crop varieties
Source: India Science Wire (22 Sep 2020)
Approach combines farmers’ knowledge of resilient crops with ‘elite’ varieties identified by scientists.
Massive-scale genomic study reveals wheat diversity for crop improvement
A team of scientists has completed one of the largest genetic analyses ever done of any agricultural crop to find desirable traits in wheat’s extensive and unexplored diversity.
The many colors of maize, the material of life
The use of corn husk as veneer has helped a town to preserve maize biodiversity, protect the environment and reduce migration.
Plant-based materials catch on with home-goods designers
Source: The Manila Times (26 May 2020)
Mexican designer Fernando Laposse partnered with CIMMYT and works with a village of Mixtec farmers to transform unused maize husks into furniture.
Preserving the legacy of biodiversity
Maize and wheat seeds from all over the world are preserved at the CIMMYT genebank, used to bring new varieties to farmers, and backed up at the Global Seed Vault.
Coronavirus lockdown diets look the same the world over: Bread, beans, and comfort food
Source: Fortune (18 Apr 2020)
Biodiversity loss poses dangers for the robustness of the environment, the safety of our food supply chain and potential exposure to pandemics.
Why Conserving Biodiversity Is Crucial to Prevent Future Pandemics
Source: The Wire (14 Apr 2020)
Biodiversity loss creates new opportunities for pathogens to move from one species to another.
Safeguarding biodiversity is essential to prevent the next COVID-19
Experts share their insights on the link between biodiversity loss and emerging infectious diseases.
Why heirloom tortillas are an endangered species
Source: Maclean's (6 Mar 2020)
Preserving ancient maize landraces in Mexico is key for biodiversity, food security and future sustainability.
One-minute science: Trent Blare and blue maize products
Consumers near Mexico City perceived blue maize tortillas to taste better. They were willing to pay up to a third more to buy them for special family events or to consume them in restaurants.
Corn Fed: A Tortilla Revolution in Queens
Source: Culinary Backstreets (2 Dec 2019)
Food entrepreneur worked with CIMMYT researcher to create a fair market for farmers with surplus heirloom maize in Mexico.
Blue maize is all the rage, but are consumers willing to pay?
Study gives insight into Mexican consumers’ preferences and demand for blue maize tortillas.
Tracing maize landraces, 50 years later
Scientists track down the families in Morelos, Mexico, who donated maize landraces to CIMMYT in 1966-67. Would they still be cultivating them?
