Main content

Selective breeding and the ‘Green Revolution’

Norman Borlaug used selective breeding techniques to improve wheat production in Mexico. He produced plants which had large seed heads and hence a good yield. However, the plants were too tall and were prone to falling over (lodging). A mutant dwarf form of wheat was discovered in post-war Japan.
Borlaug crossed this strain with the high yield variety and produced a strong, high yielding wheat. This was subsequently grown throughout the world, and has reduced the levels of hunger on several continents. The innovation was called the 'Green Revolution'.

Release date:

Duration:

5 minutes