In an age of genetically engineered crops and seed hybrids, scientists are turning to old-fashioned plant varieties that could hold the key to warding off devastating blights to Southern crops.
Loss of genetic diversity in food crops emerged as an issue in the 1960s. Based on concerns that population would outgrow food supply and millions would starve, scientists developed new “super” seeds by crossbreeding plants. These hybrid seeds, which were resistant to most insects and diseases, yielded millions of additional tons of grain a year.
But the miracle seeds weren’t perfect. Not only did the hybrids lose their traits of open pollination, but insects and viruses also mutated and foiled the genetic resistance of the new seeds. The pests sent scientists scurrying to find other genes that would help crops withstand the threats. Meanwhile, the old varieties and wild plants were disappearing from many places, replaced by improved - but genetically uniform - crops.<<<
An excellent article, thank you.
I try to not even buy hybrid seeds.
The seeds that the dollar stores sell, are the old varieties and about now, or in a week or two, they will put them out, at 15 cents per package, all that I have tried have been good growers.
Here, it cools off at night, goes to a hundred and above in the days and the soil is almost sterile, so it has been difficult finding seeds that would grow.
Another gardner and I kept at it, until we found that the old varieties would grow and also that the oriental plant sources had seeds that were not hybrid, Japan and some from China.
There is a farm in Iowa, a school teacher, who grows fancy poultry of the old varieties and crops for seeds, all that I bought were good and cheap. Sandhill, it is here:
Nichols, had many heritage varieties and oriental, I have bought from them over 30 years:
Pinetree I also bought from, I like their mixed variety packets, so I could try more than one variety.
I get carried away, when I see a seed catalog, they do not make a garden big enough for all the seeds I bought.
There are other heirloom seed companies, but they were priced over my pocket book’s limits.
If I were to order today, I would put Sandhill #1, he has tomato seeds that others charge extra for, for a very small amount, I think I went wild and ordered enough packets, that I paid about 25 cents or maybe it was 50 cents, for some rare breeds.
And if he says, not for full sun areas, he means just that, I did not listen, grew wonderful tomato plants and fruits, but like his catalog said, “not a leafy plant and the sun will cook the fruit”, which it did.
Thank you for finding the article, it is good to see the truth printed and it is as I thought it would be, when the truth came out.
Hey Granny! Mornin!
Can you ping the gardening thread with this, please? I would—if I knew how!
Good thread, but I’m afraid you’re preaching to the choir! It’s like all the public service announcements when there’s a hurricane on the way. Most of us know the drill and keep plenty of supplies on hand anyway. Course, if the house blows away.... KNow a few extra tricks, too. Like get all the laundry and the dishes done—there may not be power or water for awhile. Fill a cooler with ice and put sandwich stuff and drinks in it—saves the frig being opened so much! Fill the bathtubs and washing machine with water. May not be drinkable but you’d be suprised just how much water you use in a day! As for the newscaster’s idea of using the water in the back of the toilet—she’s obviously never lived in eastern NC—more rust than water. LOL Fill the cars up—gas pumps won’t work without power. Get some cash—neither will ATM’s. Keep the tanks for your gas grill filled. We eat better during a hurricane than we do normally. We’re home, and the food is going to spoil anyway. :) You can fix awesome sausage gravy on the grill, eggs, bacon, you name it. The best biscuits—you wouldn’t believe how great they turn out on a grill! Maybe living in a hurricane prone zone gives you a different perspective, but I think one of the other posters was dead on—pre nanny state. That and growing up on a farm!
If you start a ping list please add me to it.
Looks like the thread is going to hold! Good job!
I’ll be back later tonight to add some to it...
JD
As you can see, I am still working my way through this thread and haven’t gotten far-probably never finish if I keep finding things that make me answer. I save many, many of my own seeds. Have been doing this for years and years. If I haven’t spent any money for them, I can experiment. I read that hybrids can revert and not be the same from year to year but I have had good luck so far. I get my seeds out early and check the germination by putting about 20 on a damp paper towel and putting in a warm place-then when they germinateI check the percentage that are good and if it isn’t over 60%, I don’t use them. Almost never fail to get over 60%. I too, have a favorite seed co. This company buys seeds from local growers so I know they will thrive in my cold climate (Maine). Also this company has many of my old favorites. I must say that I do prefer the sugar-enhanced corn varieties. Corn is by far my most favorite veggie. I cook extra every meal and cut the lefovers off the cob and freeze. It tastes like fresh when thawed. I can use it so many ways. Corn chowder, shepards pie, corn casseroles, corn fritters and I make a one dish meal with rice, corn, chicken and BBQ sauce that is even better the next day. When corn is ready, we eat it for two meals every day. Hubby puts the water on and I run out and pick it (don’t trust anyone but myself to gauge just the correct ripeness) and into the pot it goes. Can’t beat that for freshness!!!!
I save loads and loads of flower seeds for my huge flower beds. I know flowers are not a survival item, but some days it seems as if that small bouquet on the coffee table helps me survive to another day. Cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, portulaca and many, many other flower seeds can be saved very successfully. I have seeds over 5 years old and they still have a good germination rate.
For several years I planted a pick your own bouquet garden . Hubby and I planted over 12,000 plants every year which we grew in our greenhouse along with veggies. Never made much money but did my heart good to see elderly people and children roaming among the flowers picking their own bouquets.
Enough! I ramble on. Got to get back and see if I can finish reading this thread.