Linus Blomqvist and Emma Brush, at the Breakthrough Institute, asked me to write something on the potential of biotechnology to improve multigene traits.  Here’s the result.  I focus on the picking the right traits, from an evolutionary perspective, assuming that our technical ability to engineer those traits will continue to improve.

I’m trying to work out more details for an idea that I mention briefly in the post: letting each crop focus on what it does best, rather than expecting them to be Jacks of all trades.

The Breakthrough Institute website hosts a number of interesting posts on agriculture and related issues.  Interesting ideas beyond just biotechnology versus organic farming.