IT is one of nature's humbler creations. Thale cress stands only a few centimetres high, is a relative of the cabbage, and tends to grow on waste ground next to car parks and railway sidings.

But Arabidopsis thaliana, to give this little weed its full title, has suddenly grown in stature. Thanks in large part to research undertaken at York University, it has become the first plant to have its entire genetic code read by scientists.

The layman does not need to understand the technicalities of this achievement to appreciate its importance. It will have a profound impact on our lives.

Plants ventilate and feed the world, and provide valuable medicines. The benefits to humanity from greater knowledge about the evolution and biology of plant life are almost limitless.

Scientists are already predicting that the genetic map of Arabidopsis will allow them to modify crops like soyabean and maize to make them less prone to disease.

Foods that last longer on supermarket shelves, or are lower in fat and higher in protein, could also be developed. Existing plants might be refined to produced new drugs and materials.

Today's publication of the genetic sequence of Arabidopsis is the result of an international effort costing £90 million. Dr Ottoline Leyser, co-ordinator of the Genomic Arabidopsis Resource Network at York University, has played a key role.

Dr Leyser has our congratulations for what is both a personal and an international triumph.

It is one that can only reflect well on York. This breakthrough will be reported worldwide, confirming this city's status as a centre of scientific excellence.

Today Bill Clinton gave his last speech on foreign policy as president at Warwick University. This location was chosen because it is a relatively young university with a pioneering research reputation.

Perhaps President-elect George W Bush could follow this example and address York University if and when he makes his first visit to Britain.