A landrace sounds a bit like something out of a Harry Potter
novel, but it’s not a creature of fantasy. What does landrace mean then?
Landrace in plants refers to a traditional variety that has adapted over time. These
plant varieties are not genetically bred but have, instead, evolved different
traits naturally. They are not cloned, hybrids, cultivars, or bred with any human
intervention.
What Does Landrace Mean?
Landraces of crops are most closely aligned with heirlooms,
being that they are naturally occurring. They are indigenous to a certain
region and developed their characteristics in response to the growing
conditions of that area. Landrace plant species are relatively rare because
many have been supplanted with bred
crops and have died out due to changing climate and human intervention.
Plant varieties aren’t the only species that exist in this
category. There are also landrace animal breeds. Landrace plant varieties are
characterized by origin, genetic diversity, adaptation, and lack of human
manipulation.
One classic instance is when a farmer saves seed from a
favorable crop which had certain attributes. This seed mutated itself to
achieve traits that were favorable for its growing environment. The same plant
in another region might not develop those qualities. This is why landraces are
site and culturally specific. They have evolved to withstand the climate,
pests, diseases, and cultural practices of a locality.
Conserving Landrace in Plants
Similar to heirloom varieties, landraces must be preserved.
Keeping these strains increases biodiversity and genetic variation, which is
crucial to a healthy environment. Landraces of crops are often preserved by
continuous growing but more modernly are kept in seed
vaults or gene banks.
Sometimes the seed is kept but other times it is genetic
material from the plant kept at a very cold temperature. Many national heritage
programs focus on identifying and conserving landrace plant species.
Individual local organizations preserve landraces specific
to the region, but globally several organizations are contributing to the
effort. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is an important player in landrace
conservation. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture focuses on sharing benefits from different landraces and
sustainable agriculture to ensure food security. The Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations has put together a Global Plan of Action for
plant genetics.
Preserving landrace species increases biodiversity and can
help future farmers ensure adequate food supplies.
A landrace sounds a bit like something out of a Harry Potter
novel, but it’s not a creature of fantasy. What does landrace mean then?
Landrace in plants refers to a traditional variety that has adapted over time. These
plant varieties are not genetically bred but have, instead, evolved different
traits naturally. They are not cloned, hybrids, cultivars, or bred with any human
intervention.
What Does Landrace Mean?
Landraces of crops are most closely aligned with heirlooms,
being that they are naturally occurring. They are indigenous to a certain
region and developed their characteristics in response to the growing
conditions of that area. Landrace plant species are relatively rare because
many have been supplanted with bred
crops and have died out due to changing climate and human intervention.
Plant varieties aren’t the only species that exist in this
category. There are also landrace animal breeds. Landrace plant varieties are
characterized by origin, genetic diversity, adaptation, and lack of human
manipulation.
One classic instance is when a farmer saves seed from a
favorable crop which had certain attributes. This seed mutated itself to
achieve traits that were favorable for its growing environment. The same plant
in another region might not develop those qualities. This is why landraces are
site and culturally specific. They have evolved to withstand the climate,
pests, diseases, and cultural practices of a locality.
Conserving Landrace in Plants
Similar to heirloom varieties, landraces must be preserved.
Keeping these strains increases biodiversity and genetic variation, which is
crucial to a healthy environment. Landraces of crops are often preserved by
continuous growing but more modernly are kept in seed
vaults or gene banks.
Sometimes the seed is kept but other times it is genetic
material from the plant kept at a very cold temperature. Many national heritage
programs focus on identifying and conserving landrace plant species.
Individual local organizations preserve landraces specific
to the region, but globally several organizations are contributing to the
effort. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is an important player in landrace
conservation. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture focuses on sharing benefits from different landraces and
sustainable agriculture to ensure food security. The Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations has put together a Global Plan of Action for
plant genetics.
Preserving landrace species increases biodiversity and can
help future farmers ensure adequate food supplies.