PDC LESSON 3.3 SEEDS – HYBRIDISATION

 

PERMACULTURE COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY

PDC LESSON 3.3 SEEDS – HYBRIDISATION

 

Hybridisation  

means the crossing of two widely different varieties and the result is that traits from both the parent plants may be of advantage to the new hybrid variety. The hybrid will then display what is known as hybrid vigour and have a mixture of qualities that will enable it to grow more successfully than either of its parents. However, this hybrid vigour is reduced in subsequent generations.

In the seed trade this involves a deliberate narrowing of the gene pool.

That means that hybrid seed needs artificial support to perform well. The result is that the genetic variability that gives plants their adaptability to local climate conditions and pests and disease is robbed from them.

Plants are being bred to select for uniform ripening, for fast growth and for size. This is supported using artificial fertilisers that force- feed these plants to make them grow fast. The soil is super- phosphate to support this accelerated growth on soil that is devoid of soil life and minerals.

 

A lot of our food supply is now becoming genetically engineered to suit the requirements of the chemical companies’ bank accounts. The spiel for feeding the world’s poor is not valid as the third world farmer who always saved his seed for the next crop will not be able to do so anymore, as the G.M. seed has been either patented or designed to be infertile for the next generation of plants. He will then need to buy his seed every time he wants to plant a crop. It won’t be cheap either!

The third world farmer can’t even afford the chemicals he needs to grow such seed. This is how corrupt the whole situation is becoming.

Text from the roots, Elisabeth Ferkonia (Aus.) PDC studied with Bill Mollison,






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