Research leads to a new wheat variety

The Standard reports that a team of scientists have bred a drought and disease resistant wheat variety code named NJORO –BW1. The report indicates that the team, led by Prof Miriam Kinyua of Moi University, produced the variety using induced mutation — a novel nuclear plant breeding technique.

The new variety has enabled small-scale farmers to plant on farms once considered too poor to cultivate. The variety is now cultivated on more than 10,000 hectares and its popularity among Kenyan wheat farmers is increasing.

Note on Prof Kinyua's work here