A study characterizing genetic diversity in the Midwest from 1926 to 2013 found striking genetic similarities among samples, suggesting little “evolutionary pressure” on the bacteria.
Associate professor of plant science Sarah Hind emphasized that such genetic uniformity could facilitate targeted breeding efforts to create disease-resistant crops. Since commercially available cucumbers are not resistant, the discovery opens up the possibility of developing new populations.
Hind emphasized the need for continuous screening of crop varieties to improve breeding efforts aimed at increasing resistance to bacterial blight.
Source: Ferra
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