Plant Diseases and genetics

hardtootell · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:06 am Post subject: Plant Diseases and genetics

Hi All,
I've been giving alot of thought to the problems of subsistance farming in a post carbon world and short of getting a degree in agriculture, I don't know how to tackle all the problems I forsee trying to raise grain crops for food and biofuel. for example-When I search for information on something like wheat diseases, I get about 50 Common types! And thats just wheat! As many of you know, the potatoe famine was caused by a plant disease.

You may not realize that the hybrids we are used to will not be available. Hybrids have resistance to disease, drought etc...The knowledge of plant breeding outside of a molecular bio lab has all but been lost... I think that most monoculture farmers would also lack the practical experience to ensure success as sustainable mixed farmers w/o oil.

I realize that good practices such as green manuring, crop rotation, composting, high diversity of crops and mixed agricuture will lessen the impacts of plant disease and wacky genetics, but I still think we face formidable challenges.

I would esp like to hear from anyone who has managed to raise their own food, meat and fuel w/o outside input (i.e. no new seeds or fertilizer or pesticides) for more than a yr. Confused

Ayame · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 1:56 am Post subject: Re: Plant Diseases and genetics

Grafting was used in the old days to grow a plant/tree onto disease resistant roots.

Ludi · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Plant Diseases and genetics

Diversity is the key. See "Unusual food plants" thread. Smile

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Homesteader · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:02 am Post subject: Re: Plant Diseases and genetics

http://www.heirloomseeds.com/

Its a start.

greenworm · Light Sweet Crude Joined: Jan 27, 2006 Posts: 1342

I wouldn't worry about plant disease, I'd be more concerned about the critters that want to eat your crops. I hate to say it, but to be a good farmer you have to kill alot of bugs/rodents. Right now I am committing genocide on the asparagus beetle. Twisted Evil

My dog is taking care of the deer, I swear, one of these days he is gonna get one. Laughing

Plant diseases seem to be more a function of horribly damp conditions mixed with unhealthy plants. I got a pretty decent book on breeding if you want a good resource, let me know and I'll find the author/title for you.