How then, do we move backwards? How does a society, with most of the people having no clue of future events, move from being dependent on a vast and intertwined network of goods and services produced by the indigenous people of whereever, to a local resource and renewable energy based society, and do so in the timeframe available (20-30 years using the most liberal extimates, 10-20 with resonable estimates, 5-10 with worst case scenarios), all the while prices on everything increasing, world politics getting more militaristic, governments continuously reducing civil liberties, shortages of goods on the market and weather patterns resembling bad Hollywood movies?
Joined: May 24, 2008 Posts: 59 Location: 12th dimension
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.
Joined: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 11854 Location: zombie horde wonderland
Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:35 am Post subject: Re: Plant Diseases and genetics
Diversity is the key. See "Unusual food plants" thread. _________________ "...powerdown so soft and fluffy you'll think you're living in a pillow..." - jboogy
Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject: Re: Plant Diseases and genetics
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. My dog is taking care of the deer, I swear, one of these days he is gonna get one. 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.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
News
Discussions
Resources
Members
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
My dog is taking care of the deer, I swear, one of these days he is gonna get one. 
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.
