UK: Poison bean plants can become lifesavers in the climate crisis

Source: nongnghiep.vn Grass peas can be genetically modified, helping humanity avoid hunger caused by global warming. Photo: Jovan Vidakovic/Shutterstock. Legumes (Lathyrus sativus), grown in some of the world's most arid, inhospitable regions, are valued as a protein-rich plant. This hard-seeded plant also contains a poison capable of causing irreversible paralysis, especially in malnourished people. For the same reason, grass peas are often grown only as a "just in case" crop, to provide a short-term food source when the crops of other crops fail. However, poisoning from Lathyrus sativus still occurs in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Ethiopia and Algeria. But now, a team of UK scientists studying grass peas has revealed the secret of how the plant produces poison. In the near future, they hope to create versions of peas that are free of toxic side effects. Dr Anne Edwards, project scientist, of the John Innes Center, Norfolk, said: “We will soon be able to create safe ...