End of chocolate? Efforts to prevent science from destruction of cocoa

Chocolate, bars, chocolates, eggs and various recipes are one of the most popular foods in the world. But can the cocoa, the fruit that causes chocolate, can end? A group of researchers say it can be due to climate change, but there is still time for salvation.

A group of scientists from the University of California in the United States, in partnership with the food company Mars, examined the genetic challenges of cocoa plants. According to the analysis, Increasing global temperature and dry climate can create conditions for the “disappearance of cocoa from 2050 onwards.

Fortunately, researchers say they have developed a technique to help Cocoa survive in the future. With the use of CRISPR genetic regulation technology, they form modified cocoa seedlings that can resist even under warmer and dried conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewrl6yaydpc

Cocoa is currently growing in several parts of the world, temperature and moisture is stable throughout the year. For example in Brazil, Many parts of Bahia grow cocoa because they offer ideal weather conditions.

With the increasing temperatures envisaged until 2050, these regions tend to warm up and may no longer be suitable for the fruit that causes chocolate.

In this case, plantations will need to be transported to higher areas. But, Genetic pressure developed by scientists can allow plants to continue to survive where they are now raised.

Mars Sustainability Director Barry Parkin, in a message to the site, “We are trying to dedicate ourselves to the end. Obviously, there are commitments to which the world bends, but frankly we do not think we go there quickly.” He said. Work inside.

CRISPR, Genetic Printing and Chocolate

Although various regions of the world grow the fruits where chocolate is made, most of the cocoa production around the world comes from West Africa, especially the Ivory Coast and Ghana.

It is important to clearly state that the study explains that cocoa will be extinguished by 2050, but Existing plantations will no longer be applicable until this period.

Jennifer Doudna, a geneticist and working writer of the University of California Technology can be applied to other foods. For example, he mentions that he wants to see a tomato plant that can produce fruits remaining longer in the vine.

Graduate students and laboratory students by investigating maniques aimed at implementing genetic prints Reduce a toxin that concentrates in fields exposed to high temperatures.

In addition, a company founded by Doudna licensed CRISPR technique for use in other foods such as corn and mushrooms.

A few species disappear without realizing anyone, which leaves gaps in ecosystems. Do you want to know more? Understand how the “dark extinctions” destroy life in the world. Until next time!