Can this biotech innovation halt the destructive march of a cereal killer?

AI Summary

Researchers at the John Innes Centre have made advances in bioengineering plant defense receptors to protect cereal crops from the blast fungus. This innovation potentially offers more durable immunity for wheat, barley, and rice, aiding global food security.

A UK-led research collaboration has taken a significant step in the global effort to protect cereal crops from the devastating blast fungus. Researchers at the John Innes Centre explored a recently discovered class of plant defense receptors, showing at the molecular level how they limit blast pathogen attacks and how they might be bioengineered to provide broader, more durable immunity in wheat, barley and rice.