Image: Rory MacLeod, 195.365, Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
A traditional variety of corn grown by people from Sierra Mixe in southern Mexico can thrive in poor soils without needing much extra fertiliser. A group of researchers have shown that the plant is able to draw nitrogen from the air through mucus-laden aerial roots on its stems. It’s hoped that the trait can eventually be bred into commercial corn strains.
The researchers have made a legal agreement with the Mexican government that any benefits from the research will be shared with the Sierra Mixe community.
Read the full story here. See also the Foodsource resource How do food systems contribute to water pollution?
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