Old gene bank cereal varieties are being tested in a new Hungarian sample program

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ÖMKi’s announcement points out: a major contradiction of the modern food industry is that while there are tens of thousands of edible plant species, only a few plants make up the majority of humanity’s diet. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), only nine species account for 66 percent of the world’s crop production, which poses a serious risk in the face of changing climate conditions. Experts emphasize that the abundance on store shelves is often apparent, as most processed products contain the same few staple crops, such as wheat, rice or corn, and varieties of these crops bred for intensive conditions. The real variety lies in the diversity of plant species and varieties, which not only makes nutrition healthier, but also strengthens food security: if one plant culture performs less well due to changed conditions, another can compensate for its lack. The announcement also points out that the monoculture cultivation typical of industrial agriculture – although it increases yields in the short term and simplifies mechanization – makes production vulnerable to pests, diseases and weather extremes. As they write, in the uncertain environment caused by climate change, biodiversity is a guarantee, as different plant species and varieties have different properties: some tolerate drought better, others are more resistant to certain diseases. A diversified cropping structure reduces the risk of total crop failure, improves soil health and results in a more sustainable production system.

In the announcement, attention is drawn to the role of ancient grains

As it is written, these old cereal species – such as alakor or spelt – can be successfully grown on less favorable soils, in extensive conditions, without the use of pesticides. Although their yield is lower than that of modern wheat varieties in good conditions, they are capable of competitive yield and greater yield stability under unfavorable conditions. All of this can be of particular importance in the agricultural environment that is increasingly affected by climate change.

In recent years, interest in the ancient cereal landraces and old Hungarian cereal varieties preserved in the National Center for Biodiversity and Gene Preservation has grown exponentially.

More and more grain growers are applying to grow such gene bank items in areas of up to several hectares. As a result of this, the new sample program will be launched this year, the purpose of which is to examine the cultivability of gene bank grain batches under changed climatic conditions, as well as to expand the amount of available seeds. In the program called Our Everyday Bread, small-plot testing and propagation of 50 gene bank grain batches will begin in the fall of 2026, which will be expanded to a total of 100 batches in the following years. In addition to cultivability, the researchers evaluate both the content values ​​of the grains and the baking properties of the flours made from them. “The goal is not merely to preserve or recall the past, but to examine what role diverse genetic resources can play in the adaptive crop production of the future,” they emphasize.

MTI