Chinese scientists recently revealed the history of domesticated peach.
The fuzzy fruit has been one of mankinds favourite treats for thousands of years. Today, the world produces 23 million tons of peaches and nectarines a year. China accounts for over half of global production, while Italy grows the most in Europe (1.5 million tons).
In 2013, the US produced one million tons of peaches, according to the Department of Agriculture. Georgia, the Peach State, is the third-largest producer (35,250 tons) grows half as much as South Carolina (69,650 tons).
But by far the largest producer is California (648,000 tons of fruit), where peach growers create 3,240 jobs and contribute $374 million to the states annual economy.
Peaches (CC BY 2.0: skyseeker / https://flic.kr/p/2MynV)
Peach and its close relatives stony fruits such as almonds, apricots, cherries and plums are important agricultural crops, providing vitamins and antioxidants in many diets. For example, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating two peaches a week reduces the relative risk of breast cancer.
The fuzzy fruit is clearly valuable to our health and wealth. And by asking questions about its genetics, scientists are revealing why peaches are so appealing to us.
Where Do Peaches Come From?
According to historical records, domesticated peach originated in China and is at least 4,000 years old, although archaeological evidence suggests humans were eating wild fruits up to 7,000 years ago. Ornamental peach trees first appeared about 2,000 years ago. Peach spread to the West along the Silk Road and was once thought to have come from Persia, hence its scientific name, Prunus persica.
DNA is now providing further details of how peach was domesticated, and why its evolution continues to be shaped by man.
See the rest here:
Fuzzy, Sweet, Sexy: How Man Shapes Peach
- Who are We? [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Vilsack targeted for his Pro-GMOs stand [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Call for technology to produce cellulosic ethanol [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Kenyan scientists weigh on GMOs [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Indian researcher makes a case for biotechnology [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Michigan smoothens the way for alternative energy investors [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Link of ethanol use to high food prices questioned [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- EU challenges France on GM Maize [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- POET rolls out cellulosic ethanol plant [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- There’s a bright future for cellulosic ethanol investment [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Cellulosic ethanol can considerably reduce gasoline use by 2030 [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Background [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - History [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Methods [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Uses [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Controversy [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - In popular culture [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human genetic engineering - An Introduction [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - A Very Hot Issue! [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- What are the risks of genetic engineering in humans? (human genetic engineering) [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- What are the benefits of human genetic engineering? (human genetic engineering) [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Genetic Engineering - Ethics and Controversy [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Genetic Engineering Ethics In Science Fiction [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Genetic Engineering Ethics [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Welcome to Pest Control Exterminator Network [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- OMD - Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- X-Ray Spex - Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (2-6) [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- Human-Plant Hybrid (Genetic Engineering at Home) [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (1-6) [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2011]
- 3. Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2011]
- Genetic engineering nightmare [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (3-6) [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2011]
- Future of genetic engineering - by Futurist Dr Patrick Dixon. Genetic mutations and genetic disorders. Gene science by conference keynote speaker [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2011]
- Genetic engineering: The world's greatest scam? [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Watch Fed Up! Genetic Engineering, Industrial Agriculture and Sustainable Alternatives Full Movie Online Part 1/15 [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (5-6) [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering, Humans with Animals. [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Is Genetic Engineering Good for the Environment? [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Open Source Food and Genetic Engineering - Michael Pollan [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien ( demons ) Nephilim Giants, Mutants Genetic Engineering and Hybrids.avi [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- MUST SEE : Genetic Engineering Corn Grows in Sand ! For Those That Appreciate Nature ! [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Designing Humanity - Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Genetic Modification | QUEEN ANNE SCIENCE CAFE [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering in California Agriculture [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering Animation [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Proof Of Ancient Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Joad Cressbeckler Fears Genetic Modification Causes 'Wrath-Minded Taters' [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Ethical Concerns With Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Scientists under Attack - Genetic Engineering in the magnetic Field of Money TRAILER [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Genetic Modification [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering Not a New Science - Pamela Ronald [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- The Island of Dr. Moreau prt. IV [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (4-6) [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- 4. Genetic Engineering (cont.) [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (6-6) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Islands at Risk (Part 3) - Genetic Engineering in Hawai'i [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Morgellons Is Genetic Engineering , A Silent Superbug [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Islands at Risk (Part 2) - Genetic Engineering in Hawai'i [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The Ethics of Genetically Engineering Children - Arthur Caplan [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Disney Geneticists Debut New Child Stars [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering and Society, Lecture 1a, Honors Collegium 70A, UCLA [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- OMD - Genetic Engineering (312mm Version) (Audio Only) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The difference between normal and genetically modified food [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Bioethics Of Human Genetic Engineering - Documentary Video [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Islands at Risk (Part 1) - Genetic Engineering in Hawai'i [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Coast To Coast AM: Genetic Engineering 3-24-2011 Download Link [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Lloyd Pye - Ancient Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- X RAY SPEX - ROUNDHOUSE LONDON GENETIC ENGINEERING - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- OMD - Genetic Engineering 1983 - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- OMD - GENETIC ENGINEERING - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Mechanism of Recombination - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Harvard Prof. Michael Sandel on Human Genetic Modification, Berkeley, CA, 7 May 2007 - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering [Medical Ethics Series] - (excerpt) - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering and Society, Lecture 1b, Honors Collegium 70A, UCLA - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Genomics: genetic modification (genetic engineering) and the human gene project - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Genetically Engineering Intelligent Babies - Horizon: Are We Still Evolving? Preview - BBC Two - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- "GENETIC ENGINEERING" GERMAN REGIME feat THIRSTIN HOWL THE3RD - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Science 360: Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- UFOTV Presents... - Bad Seed: Danger of Genetically Modified Food - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]