Study aims to reap benefits

CITY scientists have discovered how to help crops flourish in cold climates.

A study by researchers at Edinburgh and York universities identified a gene that limits the growth of plants in cool environments.

The protein, known as the spatula gene, is thought to help the plants adjust to lower temperatures.

By manipulating the gene, researchers believe that they could produce the opposite effect.

This could lead to the development of crops which are suited to cooler climates, securing food supplies for future generations.

Dr Karen Halliday, from Edinburgh University's School of Biological Sciences, said: "This could be of real interest in improving crop yields and food security."