Scientists investigate onion varieties

Scientists have collected data about the disease resistance of some 96 varieties of onions in a bid to increase global food security.

The research project was led by Warwick Crop Centre in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick and will help growers develop new varieties of onion with the ability to ward off diseases.

Scientists can also use the findings to create specimens which respond positively to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, a fungus that assists nutrient uptake as well as boosting disease resistance and drought tolerance.

"This is just the first of what will be a range of outputs from this Defra funded work at the Warwick Crop Centre that will be of significant benefit to growers across the planet," said Warwick Crop Centre director Dr Rosemary Collier.

She added that output from the work as part of a larger study into Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network which could have a direct impact on food security.