Gene Discovery Holds Key to Growing Crops in Cold Climates

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2010/09/09/gene_discovery_holds_key_to_growing_crops_in_cold_climates.html

This arcticle is about a new research that shows a gene, known as Spatula, can limit the growth of plants in cool temperatures. Scientist found that when the levels of the Spatula gene were low, the plant leaves would grow twice as much at cooler temperatures than they normally would. They believe that when the gene is manipulated they would be able to produce the opposite effect which would enable crops to be able to grow well in cooler climates. This research could help ensure the availability of food supplies year round. This will be of great use in improving our crop yields and food security in climates where the temperatures change and prevent crops from producing year round.

In my opinion, this is a great discovery. It could help provide food for those who live in areas where it is cold year round and crops will not produce what is needed for those populations. It also could help reduce the prices of the foods we buy at the store because there would be a greater supply of crops producing foods. The more food that is available cuts our costs because the supply would not be limited. This would be also be of great help to those who go hungry due to lack of food and money. I believe being able to grow crops year round would be of great benefit to everyone.