Genetic diversity is the foundation of food production

The UN’s International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May highlights a vital theme: the richness of life. Without species diversity and internal genetic variation, we could not farm or produce food. Biodiversity is the cornerstone of all life. Without it, global food production as we know it would not be possible.

Boreal’s plant breeding work is based on this diversity and supports agricultural biodiversity in Finland.

Boreal’s Breeding Director Merja Veteläinen explains: “Our extensive breeding programmes enable cultivation of a wide variety of crops across Finland. Diverse crop rotations are essential for improving soil structure and health.”

All Boreal breeding lines with an official line number are stored in a gene bank for future use.
These samples show genetic variation in:

• black oats
• oats
• two-row barley
• rye
• spring wheat

Plant breeding produces new varieties with improved yield, quality and reduced production risks such as diseases and winter damage.

Domestic breeding supports the Finnish food chain and enables new innovations such as:

• plant-based cosmetics
• feed products

Development Manager Outi Manninen, responsible for biotechnology, describes: “By studying plant genomes, we identify genetic traits and introduce them into breeding material through crosses. It is extremely interesting because we learn continuously. Advancing genomic tools enable entirely new approaches to breeding.”

Genetic resources preserved in gene banks

Individual varieties have narrow genetic bases, but breeding requires wide variation. Therefore Boreal preserves diversity for future generations. At this time of year, alongside sowing, Boreal performs genetic resource work: all breeding lines with a line number are stored in Boreal’s own gene bank.

Genetic resources can also be preserved in vitro using tissue culture — illustrated here with timothy and potato. Boreal participates in several Nordic research projects utilising genetic diversity maintained in different gene banks.

Veteläinen explains: “Through these projects we aim to broaden the genetic variation available in breeding programmes. Our current target crops include spring wheat and oats.”

Boreal also collaborates with the Nordic gene bank NordGen. A quality sample of each Boreal variety is sent to NordGen’s gene bank in Svalbard, Norway — ensuring preservation of Finnish crop heritage.