There are entire laboratories and organizations dedicated to preserving the genetic diversity of crops. Agricultural experts have been well aware of the dangers of genetic uniformity for many years, and much of modern crop breeding activity deals with this. One such place is here. Note the projects.
A genetically uniform crop is a recipe for disaster, since a single disease can obliterate it all.
For example, the modern banana is in a real fix right now. I've read two articles on this in the past month. Apparently, due to a number of unfortunate circumstances, almost all bananas you buy are a single breed, the Cavendish, and the industry is racing to produce new hybrids, hopefully before the inevitable disaster overtakes them. There are two competing efforts: a standard breeding technique, which is a royal pain because the bananas produce almost no seeds, and a genetic engineering project which shows progress, but raises industry concerns about consumer acceptance.
More here.
Off Topic » in reply to Agreed.
Diversity
The whole thread (44 posts)
- Is the Party coming to an end?
- re: When the lights will go out
- Sounds like the predictions from the Club of Rome back in 1972
- Undoubtedly