Chocolate’s future is sweet
5 Nov 2010 by Evoluted New Media
The future of chocolate is sweet after two research groups announced they have sequenced the genome of the cacao tree, a feat which could help increase producer’s yields and give consumers better tasting treats.
The future of chocolate is sweet after two research groups announced they have sequenced the genome of the cacao tree, a feat which could help increase producer’s yields and give consumers better tasting treats.
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Researchers complete chocolate genome Credit Paul Reid/Dreamstime.com |
Firstly, an international team of scientists announced they had sequenced the genome of the Criollo variety of the cacao tree. They assembled 76% of the genome, linking 82% of those genes to the 10 cacao chromosomes.
“The large amount of information generated by this project dramatically changes the status of this tropical plant and its potential interest for the scientific community,” said research leader Mark Guiltnan, professor of plant molecular biology at Penn State University.
The research identified a variety of gene families that may impact on improving both trees and fruit either by enhancing their quality or protecting it from fungal disease. Guiltnan and his colleagues hope that mapping these will lead to a source of genes directly involved in variations in the plant that are useful for acceleration of plant breeding programs.
A second team of scientists – funded by chocolate producer Mars and the US Department of Agriculture – released a draft sequence of the genome via the Cacao Genome Database which they hope will improve yield and give tastier chocolate. There has been little investment in research to improve the cacao tree, but global head of plant science and research at the confectionery firm Howard-Yana Shapiro said the sequence is of great importance.
“As the global leader in cocoa science, we understand the importance of not only investing in this research, but making it publicly available for all to benefit,” Shapiro said “Mars is in a unique position to drive and fund fundamental science that will support its long term focus and vision. Although it may not benefit the bottom line in the short term, in the long run, it will ensure mutually beneficial results for the company, cocoa farmers and tree crop production in key regions of the world.”
The research may help make the tree pest and disease resistant and drought tolerant, and enable the tree to adapt to climate change whilst also improving yield quality and quality of the bean.
