Have your say
Friends of JIC witnessed David slaying Goliath when dwarfing genes in wheat was voted the most significant achievement made by the John Innes Centre during its 100 years of scientific excellence.
Margaret Boulton presenting the case for the genes responsible for the green revolution convinced voters to support this over the promise of antibiotics to combat C. difficile and MRSA presented by Merv Bibb. Close contenders were the technologies enabling the discovery of key traits in cereals presented by Graham Moore, the importance of the pea breeding programme put forward by Mike Ambrose and a compelling case for compost supported by Bob Flowerdew. Ask someone on the street what they think of when you say John Innes and what do they say argued Bob Flowedew who suggested that since the 1930s the economic impact of the composts must be worth more than the national debt! However, this and the acknowledgment by more than 75% of the audience that they ate peas and had peas in their freezer at home was not enough to sway them from voting for the promise of wheat which could withstand the vagaries of climate change and help feed the world.
The poll results at the bottom of this page included votes at this event plus those taken from our online poll.
| Antibiotic research | Wheat semi-dwarfing genes | Advances in cereal breeding | Semi-leafless peas | John Innes Compost |
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JIC pioneered the genome sequencing of Streptomyces. These soil microbes are the source of most of our antibiotics and other drugs used in human and veterinary medicine including anti-cancer drugs. Building on this ground breaking research JIC is now searching for new antibiotics to combat superbugs such as MRSA and C. difficile. |
During the 'Green Revolution' in the 1960s and 70s, world wheat yields almost doubled as a result of the introduction of dwarfed, high-yielding wheat varieties and new cultivation methods resulting from research developed at JIC. |
The establishment of genetic maps of barley, wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and millet, which are ‘road maps’ to desirable traits providing a toolkit for researchers worldwide were developed at JIC. Recent research characterising a gene that controls how chromosomes pair will now enable the introduction of new characters into cereal crops. |
The first registered 'semi-leafless' pea varieties arose out of research and breeding work at the JIC. The improved crop productivity and standing ability led to the use of ‘semi-leafless’ peas worldwide and they account for 100% of current UK dried pea varieties today. |
In the mid 1930's the formulae for the 'John Innes Composts' were developed to provide a sterile, well-balanced growing medium for experimental plant material. These formulae were subsequently released to the public and dominate the compost market in the UK. |
Watch supporting presentations
The event was introduced by Steve Rawsthorne, JIC's Science Operations Manager.
| Antibiotic research | Wheat semi-dwarfing genes | Advances in cereal breeding | Semi-leafless peas | John Innes Compost |
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What is JI's most significant scientific contribution
