Proteins found in buckwheat ((Fagopyrum esculentum, a pseudo-cereal of Himalayan origin)) grain seem to cut down the absorption of cholesterol, at least in vitro, according to a recent study. Is there genetic variation in this property? Well, I don’t suppose anyone has looked yet, but a paper just out in GRACE does point to significant variation in protein profiles among varieties and species.
Plants help each other out
Intercropping makes more phosphorus available.
Restoring the American chestnut
A grant allows American chestnuts to survive, as hybrids with the Chinese species.
Ratatouille
Latest chinese dish is an agrobiodiversity bridge too far: another option.
Orchid to be exploited
Remember the recent post about ylang ylang? Timbuktu Chronicles sent me to an oldish article from South Africa’s Mail & Guardian which lists the tree among Madagascar’s fragrant exports. But the article is really about a rare and threatened Malagasy orchid and how it will be cultivated for the French perfume industry. I hope everyone has their ABS arrangements down tight.