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- Why We Need Crop Wild Relatives
Lacking the hardy genetic make-up necessary to stand up to worsening conditions, domesticated crops are beginning to falter, with a recent report warning agricultural production will drop by a third if farmers do not immediately start planting crops that are resilient to climate change. In contrast, wild cousins are tougher, thanks to a range of traits they have developed over time, such as heat and drought tolerance and defense systems against pests and diseases.
This was really a fascinating read, and it kinda made me want to go out and do something like this. Not really. I personally would not last long in those conditions but I am glad that this work is being undertaken, because our current system of clone food is going to crumble soon.