By inserting a bacterial version of the gene for starch production, scientists have come up with a super-sized cassava that produces more leaves, and more importantly, more and larger roots. The cassava is a staple food in Africa and makes up part o the diet of nearly 600 million people worldwide.

The roots of the modified plants were up to 2.6 fold larger than the roots of a non-modified plant (an average of 198 grams for the biggest roots vs. 74 grams for the roots of the non-modified plant.) The modified plants produced a maximum of 12 roots, compared to the seven roots produced by the non-modified plant. These modified plants also produced a third more leaves - a maximum of 123 leaves per modified plant vs. 92 leaves per non-modified plant.

The researchers are working to further tweak the cassava's genome to improve its nutritional and post-harvest qualities. They say these efforts offer hope to alleviate hunger in Africa, but we all know that that is a problem resulting from more than just inadequate food production. But yes, it can be a part of a solution.

More details from the Ohio State University, or the article published at the Plant Biotechnology Journal.

[Photo: Wikipedia entry on Cassava]