The loss of this archive of genetic diversity could threaten not just decades of research, but the resilience of our food crops into the future. The diversity of planted crops has shrunk by 75 % in the twentieth century as farmers concentrated their efforts on just a few reliable breeds. But climate change and increasing human populations world wide are driving demand for novel approaches to plant breeding.
Pakistan’s government faces an unpleasant choice between doing what’s popular and what is economically necessary, as
Imran Khan, the former prime minister, exploits widespread discontent for his own ends. Russia’s invasion is threatening
Ukraine’s unique seed bank. And why so many
languages have such a rich variety of words to describe family members and relationships. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of
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