Australian scientists find tomato gene to feed millions

SYDNEY, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Australian scientists have found a way to boost crop yields that could help feed and clothe millions of people in a time of climate crisis, according to a report from Australian Associated Press on Tuesday.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found that by knocking out a gene from the genetic code of a tomato plant, it grows sweeter fruit and longer-lasting leaves.

Yong-Ling Ruan, from the University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences, said the same technique could be used in a range of plants to boost crop yield and shelf-life.

"With predictions the global population may double over the next 50 years, scientists are concerned about the pressure on the world's natural resources," Ruan said.

"Faced with the impact of climate change and population increases on food supply, our research is helping to meet the challenge of how to sustain and improve crop yield and quality."

Ruan said scientists would need at least another five years to take the technique from the lab to the paddock.

The research was conducted at the Australia-China Research Center for Crop Improvement - a joint initiative of the Universityof Newcastle and the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hangzhou, China.