Quinoa genome unveiled in search for hardy crop to feed world



Quinoa is harvested in the highlands in Puno region, south-eastern Peru. The crop could help improve global food security. (Photo: ICT/Tomas Munita)

Some strains can tolerate 38-degree days, salty soils and high altitudes, say researchers. The near-complete genome of quinoa was unveiled on Wednesday by scientists who say the grain cultivated centuries ago by Incas in the Andes could help feed a hungry world.