http://www.greenlivingonline.com/HomeGarden/go-heritage-in-your-garden/
(May 1, 2008)
Gardeners, health professionals, scientists and botanists fear we are at a dangerous crossroads. In our quest for greater yields in food crops and longer lasting, more exotic blooms in flowers we are tampering with the health of our natural world. 
Examine the promise
Genetically modified organisms (GMO), or genetically modified (GM) plants, are intended to to take over where God ended, creating plants that we control and moulding them to our vision. And on first glance, the benefits are tempting. After all, who wouldn’t agree corn that’s more resistant to drought or disease is a good thing or that the breathtaking beauty of the new flowers appearing in our nurseries isn’t appealing?
But dig a little deeper and you begin to see serious flaws with genetically-modified plants.
Biodiversity is disappearing
Many argue that, in our quest for perfection, we are driving many of our food resources to the verge of extinction. Market control, aesthetics and shelf life have become more important than diversity, taste, and long-term sustainability. Hybrid varieties are developed by companies for pest resistance, fast growth and uniformity, and are then marketed so relentlessly that traditional varieties lose popularity and disappear. Biodiversity is consider by many to be the foundation fro life and crucial for keeping eco-systems alive. The uniformity of GMO foods can also get a bit boring.
An apple a day - depends on the apple
Consider that there are literally hundreds of varieties of apple in existence, but you’ll only find four or five in supermarkets. Many of the other varieties are now exceedingly rare. We could lose apple varieties in a few decades which took hundreds of years to evolve, and when they’re gone we will have lost their unique genetic qualities for good.
Remember the Irish potato famine?
Without genetic diversity, food production is at risk from epidemics and infestations. One example of the potential catastrophes awaiting us occurred when a new strain of the southern leaf blight fungus emerged in 1970-71. At that time, more than 70 percent of the corn grown in the U.S. consisted of just six varieties of corn. Because of this lack of diversity, many corn fields across the country were wiped out. An estimated 250 million bushels of corn was lost to the blight in Illinois alone.
There is also fear that super-pests and super-weeds will inevitably emerge that are pesticide or herbicide-resistant and super resilient, making them impossible to control.
Native is better
Gardeners who embrace wild flowers argue much the same thing: that many of our modern flowers undermine the genetic strength of our gardens. They point out that indigenous plants are hardier because they have adapted to the climate and soil conditions. Gardens using traditional flowers will be more insect-and disease-tolerant, less susceptible to drought, and will need far less maintenance than traditional gardens with nursery bought annuals and perennials.
Heritage the way to go
As an alternative to genetically-modified plants, consider cultivating heirloom and heritage varieties. These are plants varieties that are at least 50 years old, although some vintage varieties can be traced back centuries.
When dealing with fruits and vegetables, keep in mind that heirloom or heritage plants will not have as much resistance to disease as modern strains. Their yields may be higher but a smaller size. Of course, they make up for that through sheer taste. Once you’ve had a heritage tomato, you will find it difficult to return to the grocery store variety. In terms of flowers, these traditional varieties generally are less brilliant in coloration, more opt to spread, and come in far-few variants.
Start with the internet
Finding heirloom and heritage seeds requires a bit more work; they’re not typically sold in garden centres. The best place to begin is by searching the internet. A great resource is Green People, this internet site has a listing of more than fifty seed companies specializing in traditional plants throughout the USA and Canada with some European countries thrown in for good measure.
The North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) offers a seed exchange for anyone wishing to participate. It is an excellent source for heritage and wild flower plants indigenous to your region since they have branches in all the major cities across North America.
Tend the earth
You can play an important role in maintaining genetic biodiversity by adding some heirloom and heritage plants to your yard. As an added bonus, these rare plants will be points of conversation and interest, adding nostalgic elements to a modern yard. Keep your garden organic and you will be doing your bit to help nature stay balanced.
Andrew Hind is a freelance writer specializing in eco-friendly gardening. He is a regular contributor to Green Living Online.
Go heritage in your garden
Image: istockphoto.com/Bart Sadowski
Examine the promise
Genetically modified organisms (GMO), or genetically modified (GM) plants, are intended to to take over where God ended, creating plants that we control and moulding them to our vision. And on first glance, the benefits are tempting. After all, who wouldn’t agree corn that’s more resistant to drought or disease is a good thing or that the breathtaking beauty of the new flowers appearing in our nurseries isn’t appealing?
But dig a little deeper and you begin to see serious flaws with genetically-modified plants.
Biodiversity is disappearing
Many argue that, in our quest for perfection, we are driving many of our food resources to the verge of extinction. Market control, aesthetics and shelf life have become more important than diversity, taste, and long-term sustainability. Hybrid varieties are developed by companies for pest resistance, fast growth and uniformity, and are then marketed so relentlessly that traditional varieties lose popularity and disappear. Biodiversity is consider by many to be the foundation fro life and crucial for keeping eco-systems alive. The uniformity of GMO foods can also get a bit boring.
An apple a day - depends on the apple
Consider that there are literally hundreds of varieties of apple in existence, but you’ll only find four or five in supermarkets. Many of the other varieties are now exceedingly rare. We could lose apple varieties in a few decades which took hundreds of years to evolve, and when they’re gone we will have lost their unique genetic qualities for good.
Remember the Irish potato famine?
Without genetic diversity, food production is at risk from epidemics and infestations. One example of the potential catastrophes awaiting us occurred when a new strain of the southern leaf blight fungus emerged in 1970-71. At that time, more than 70 percent of the corn grown in the U.S. consisted of just six varieties of corn. Because of this lack of diversity, many corn fields across the country were wiped out. An estimated 250 million bushels of corn was lost to the blight in Illinois alone.
There is also fear that super-pests and super-weeds will inevitably emerge that are pesticide or herbicide-resistant and super resilient, making them impossible to control.
Native is better
Gardeners who embrace wild flowers argue much the same thing: that many of our modern flowers undermine the genetic strength of our gardens. They point out that indigenous plants are hardier because they have adapted to the climate and soil conditions. Gardens using traditional flowers will be more insect-and disease-tolerant, less susceptible to drought, and will need far less maintenance than traditional gardens with nursery bought annuals and perennials.
Heritage the way to go
As an alternative to genetically-modified plants, consider cultivating heirloom and heritage varieties. These are plants varieties that are at least 50 years old, although some vintage varieties can be traced back centuries.
When dealing with fruits and vegetables, keep in mind that heirloom or heritage plants will not have as much resistance to disease as modern strains. Their yields may be higher but a smaller size. Of course, they make up for that through sheer taste. Once you’ve had a heritage tomato, you will find it difficult to return to the grocery store variety. In terms of flowers, these traditional varieties generally are less brilliant in coloration, more opt to spread, and come in far-few variants.
Start with the internet
Finding heirloom and heritage seeds requires a bit more work; they’re not typically sold in garden centres. The best place to begin is by searching the internet. A great resource is Green People, this internet site has a listing of more than fifty seed companies specializing in traditional plants throughout the USA and Canada with some European countries thrown in for good measure.
The North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) offers a seed exchange for anyone wishing to participate. It is an excellent source for heritage and wild flower plants indigenous to your region since they have branches in all the major cities across North America.
Tend the earth
You can play an important role in maintaining genetic biodiversity by adding some heirloom and heritage plants to your yard. As an added bonus, these rare plants will be points of conversation and interest, adding nostalgic elements to a modern yard. Keep your garden organic and you will be doing your bit to help nature stay balanced.
Andrew Hind is a freelance writer specializing in eco-friendly gardening. He is a regular contributor to Green Living Online.
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