Israeli-Palestinian researchers develop new wheat variety

Jerusalem (ANTARA) - Israeli and Palestinian researchers have developed a new wheat variety that is more resistant to heat and drought, according to a statement from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) on Thursday. The five-year project, involving HU and the Al-Quds Palestinian Public Health Association in East Jerusalem, aims to address food production challenges in the increasingly warm and dry climate of the Middle East, as reported by Xinhua. Climate change is shortening growing seasons and making rainfall less predictable, thereby increasing pressure on global food crops, the university added. By combining expertise in plant breeding, genetics, and field testing, the research team produced a new wheat strain named ‘Ufuq’. This strain is capable of maintaining productivity under conditions of reduced water and harsher climate-driven environments, according to HU, though no further technical details were provided. Supported by funding from the Netherlands, the project demonstrates how scientific cooperation can persist despite ongoing security and political difficulties.