Selective Breeding

We tend to think that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are new to the world of agriculture. And, unfortunately, some clever marketing strategies try to sell you GMO-free versions of something that is actually the product of many generations of selective breeding.

I think you would be surprised to see what some of your favourite fruit and veg looked like more the dawn of agriculture and selective breeding!

Selective crop breeding is a method that has been used for centuries to create more robust and more resilient crops. It involves carefully selecting and breeding plants with desirable traits like disease resistance, increased yield, and improved flavour (does this remind you of our good friend Gregor Mendel?). By doing this, farmers and plant breeders can create crops better suited to their specific needs and thrive in various environments.

One of the most fundamental benefits of selective crop breeding is that it can help increase food security and reduce hunger worldwide. By creating crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, farmers can produce larger harvests and provide more food for their communities. Additionally, by creating crops that are better suited to local conditions, farmers can grow food in areas that were previously unsuitable for agriculture.

By creating crops that are naturally resistant to pests and diseases, farmers can reduce their reliance on these chemicals, which can harm the environment and human health. Isn’t it cool that by selective breeding, we can grow crops that are better and healthier for our ecosystems and our families?

To cut to the chase, selective crop breeding is an essential tool that can help to improve food security, protect the environment, and promote sustainable agriculture. As we continue to face challenges such as climate change and population growth, investing in this process and developing new and innovative ways to breed stronger and more resilient crops will help ensure better food security for future generations.

#genetics #gene #DNA #plantgenetics #botany #farming #sustainable #agriculture #GMO #foodsecurity #worldhunger #food #farmers