Protecting and Valuing Wild Native Plant Species Genetics During Domestication
Steven I. Apfelbaum1* and John Elstrott, PhD2
Abstract
We ask the following questions to inform how native perennial plant species might integrate with mainstream agriculture:
- Can native plant species contribute to a future perennialized agriculture, without compromising the genetic diversity of wild plant species, populations, and wild habitats?
- How can domestication of native plant species grown for food avoid our existing agricultural system pitfalls of simplified, narrowed genetics, and reduced resilience?
- Can inclusion of native plant in a future food supply help internalize economic externalities in the existing human food supply chains, increase nutrition, and help improve the environment and human health?
This paper explores a regenerative agricultural future that could integrate native perennial plant species as crops, or in rotations to improve soil health, biodiversity, and water resiliency. And, how a perennial agriculture could operationalize and create lower cost accountability to assure food supply certifications and values for farmers.
Keywords
Domestication, perennial crops, genetic
diversity, genetic variation, gene flow, conservation
genetics