You are here: Home ::
JI's most significant scientific contribution - RESULT
During the JI's centenary year we asked visitors to this site to vote for what they thought was JI's most significant scientific contribution. The Centenary Committee listed the following 5 achievements. People voted online and after 100's of votes were cast, there emerged a clear winner with Antibiotic Research claiming an impressive 46% of the total votes cast. The results for all 5 acheivements can be viewed at the bottom of this page.
| Antibiotic research | Wheat semi-dwarfing genes | Advances in cereal breeding | Semi-leafless peas | John Innes Compost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
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 a common genetic framework of barley, wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and millet, which are ‘road maps’ to desirable traits providing a toolkit for researchers worldwide was 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
At a recent public event speakers gave short presentations supporting each of the 5 achievements listed above.
| Antibiotic research | Wheat semi-dwarfing genes | Advances in cereal breeding | Semi-leafless peas | John Innes Compost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Supported by |
Supported by |
Supported by |
Supported by |
Supported by |
Final Results
After 100's of votes were cast, there emerged a clear winner with Antibiotic Research claiming an impressive 46% of the total votes cast.