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by Larry H. Maxey, founder and superintendent, NAILE Fullblood

Simmental Shows

Our Pioneers — Geneticists & Ag Scientists

A story published recently in The Guardian was titled “‘Goldmine’ Collection of Wheat from 100 Years Ago May Help Feed the World.” Written by Robin McKie, science editor, the focus was on the scientific contributions of Arthur Watkins, who launched his career over 100 years ago. Watkins, a British geneticist, was described as a “shy pioneer.” His start in agriculture was highly unusual. At the age of 19, he was fighting in the trenches of World War I. He survived the war and was ordered to remain in France as an assistant agricultural officer. He worked with local farmers securing food needed to sustain troops remaining in the war zone.

This work spawned his interest in agriculture. He returned to Britain to study at Cambridge. Subsequently, he joined the university’s department of agriculture where he began his life’s work: collecting wheat samples from across the planet.

“‘Crucially, Watkins had realized that, as we began breeding new wheat varieties, genes that were then thought to be of little use and which were being deleted from strains, might still have future value,’ said Simon Griffiths, a geneticist at the John Innes Centre near Norwich. Further, ‘his thinking was incredibly ahead of its time. He realized that genetic diversity — and in this case, of wheat — was being eroded and that we badly needed to halt that.’”

In the 1920s, Watkins began collecting samples of wheat from all over the globe. He was relentless in acquiring these samples from local markets. Watkins had assembled 827 kinds of wheat that were stored, nurtured, and protected at the John Innes Centre. In collaboration with the Chinese, all of the 827 varieties have been DNA sequenced. The result is a “genetic goldmine” identifying previously unknown genes that promise significant breakthroughs in yields with strains adaptable to climate and soil incapable of wheat production in modern times. From strains that grow in salty soil, improved disease resistance, and a reduction in nitrogen fertilizer needs, the possibilities are endless.

It was noted that the wheat genome is made up of 17 billion units of DNA compared to three billion base pairs for the human genome. Only with the use of powerful computers, used in the collaborative effort with their Chinese partners, could this massive database be processed. The data revealed that modern wheat varieties make use of only about 40% of the genetic diversity found in the Watkins collection. The 20th-century “green revolution” led to many varieties being cast aside.

It is estimated that today, one in five calories consumed by humans comes from wheat. Ten thousand years ago in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East, wheat was first domesticated and cultivated. For most empires, from ancient Egypt to modern day, wheat was a bedrock staple. Now, thanks to the foresight, persistence, and dedication of Arthur Watkins, unimaginable genetic benefits can be brought forward to help feed and sustain an ever-growing world population encumbered by known and unknown challenges.

When I read the Guardian article, my mind went back ten years to my Fleckvieh Forum article for the July/August 2014 edition titled “How Do You Do That?” That piece covered a number of topics to include the introduction of new breeds of cattle to North America from the European continent. That process included our Simmentals as well as many others, all wearing their native coats and colors. This introduction of new genetics led to a paradigm shift in the beef cattle industry. A revolution in performance occurred, fueled by the science of heterosis, more commonly referred to as crossbreeding.

In the 2014 article, I wrote; “The significance of the impact represented by the genetic infusion of these new breeds into the existing beef cattle population in North America cannot be adequately described. Today, unfortunately, we are at risk of losing our ability to sustain what has been achieved through crossbreeding with the many breeds during those six decades. Gradually, genetic diversity is being lost as breed after breed is pushed aside and relegated to the dustbins of history. Lost are the endless possibilities those genes represent when mixed in an infinite combination of mating schemes. Too conveniently, we have assumed we know what is best. However, I believe that approach is shortsighted. The answers are in the science of it all. Preserving breed identity in the modern era has become more and more challenging. For those of us that understand the value of the genetic diversity those visionary folks brought to our benefit 60 years ago, and those dedicated to the task of preserving the many breeds they gave us, we need to impress upon the industry the message I have attempted to convey here.”

In conclusion, there is an obvious parallel between the lifelong work of geneticist Arthur Watkins to preserve 827 varieties of wheat seed and our need to equally preserve the genetic diversity of our many beef breeds. The world is now benefiting from Watkins’ vision over 100 years ago. Let’s take to heart the remarkable lesson learned from his example and figure out how we can chart our own preservation path forward for the next 100 years. The answer is in the science! .

Editor’s note: This is the fortieth in the series Our Pioneers.

Is there a Simmental pioneer who you would like to see profiled in this series? Reach out to Larry Maxey or the editor to submit your suggestions: larryhmaxey@gmail.com • editor@simmgene.com