HB4 wheat, which has recently received approval from the United States government for commercialization and importation, is making its way into different international markets. This wheat, created with transgenic technology, stands out for its drought resistance, making it a promising alternative in the face of the challenges posed by climate change to global food production.
According to Patricia Miranda, director of regulatory affairs at Bioceres, a company involved in its development, HB4 wheat has been designed to withstand water scarcity conditions, thanks to the incorporation of a gene from sunflower. This characteristic allows it to maintain its productivity even in environments with lower water availability, making it a potential ally against the future crisis expected in wheat cultivation area due to climate change.
Miguel Ángel Sánchez, executive director of ChileBIO, mentions that HB4 wheat is an example of how agricultural biotechnology can contribute to tackling current environmental challenges. Its efficiency in water resource use makes it a more sustainable and resilient option against the adverse climatic conditions expected in the near future.
The technology behind HB4 wheat originated from research dating back more than two decades and has now been approved for human and animal consumption in various countries, as well as for cultivation in some of the world’s main wheat producers. This innovation represents a hope against the growing threat that climate change poses for wheat production and, therefore, food security for millions of people worldwide.
