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Definitions, Concepts,Provocations and evolution to a new concept? -
Why I am growing UK indoor Landraces?
For this reflection I will refer to the following publications:
"Defining and Identifying Crop Landraces" by Taina Carolina Camacho Villa et al. (2005):
"A landrace is a dynamic population(s) of a cultivated plant that has historical origin, distinct identity and lacks formal crop improvement, as well as often being genetically diverse, locally adapted and associated with traditional farming systems."
"Landraces: A Review of Definitions and Classifications" by A. C. Zeven (1998):
"As a landrace has a complex and indefinable nature, an all-embracing definition cannot be given."
"Toward an Evolved Concept of Landrace" by Pablo Negri (2017):
"Landraces should be viewed as evolving entities in contrast to modern cultivars, which are expected to be maintained true to type according to Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) rules."
The concept of "landraces" plays a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity and the history of agricultural development. Landraces refer to traditional varieties of crops that have evolved through centuries of interaction with their local environments and farming practices.
Landraces have been integral to agriculture since its inception. Early farmers developed these traditional varieties through the continuous cycles of planting, harvesting, and seed-saving.
Over time, landraces adapted to specific agro-ecological and cultural contexts, enriching the genetic pool of crops and ensuring food security for traditional and subsistence farming systems. For millennia, these landraces were the cornerstone of agricultural production and improvement, serving as the foundation for modern crop varieties.
However, the advent of formal plant breeding and genetically uniform cultivars during the 19th and 20th centuries led to the gradual replacement of landraces. These modern cultivars, designed for higher yields under optimal conditions, contributed to a significant reduction in genetic diversity within cultivated crops, a phenomenon known as genetic erosion.
Studies, such as those by Srinivasan et al. (2003), demonstrate how landrace replacement has led to marked reductions in genetic diversity, threatening the resilience and adaptability of agricultural systems.
The difficulty in arriving at a universal definition of landraces due to their dynamic and context-specific nature.
Based on a thorough review of literature, stakeholder workshops, and interviews with conservationists and plant geneticists, the authors of “Defining and Identifying Crop Landraces” identify six key characteristics commonly associated with landraces:
Historical Origin: Landraces have a long-standing history in specific regions, often cultivated for centuries. They are intrinsically linked to the geographical and cultural landscapes where they originated, although migration and informal exchanges have introduced landraces to new regions.
Genetic Diversity: Unlike modern cultivars, landraces are genetically heterogeneous. This diversity provides resilience to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses, making them valuable for crop improvement and adaptation to marginal conditions.
Local Genetic Adaptation: Landraces are uniquely suited to the specific climatic, soil, and agricultural conditions of their regions. This local adaptation ensures yield stability even under suboptimal or adverse conditions.
Recognisable Identity: Landraces are distinct entities often identifiable by their morphological traits, usage, or local names. However, the identification process can be complex due to inconsistencies in naming conventions and overlapping traits.
Lack of Formal Genetic Improvement: Landraces evolve through natural selection and informal, often unconscious, farmer selection. Unlike cultivars developed in formal breeding programs, landraces are shaped by traditional farming practices.
Association with Traditional Farming Systems: Landraces are closely tied to traditional agricultural practices and knowledge systems. Farmers play a pivotal role in maintaining their diversity through seed saving, exchange, and cultivation.
Despite these defining traits, the authors caution that not all characteristics may be present in every landrace. Exceptions often arise due to variations in crop propagation methods, breeding systems, and local conditions.
The conservation of landraces has gained increasing attention due to their role as genetic resources for modern crop improvement and their cultural significance. Conservation efforts focus on both in situ preservation (maintaining landraces within their natural farming systems) and ex situ preservation (storing seeds in gene banks). These efforts are driven by concerns over genetic erosion and the loss of biodiversity caused by the dominance of modern agricultural systems.
Without a clear definition, creating inventories and monitoring changes in landrace populations becomes difficult. To address this, the authors propose a practical working definition:
"A landrace is a dynamic population(s) of a cultivated plant that has historical origin, distinct identity, and lacks formal crop improvement, as well as often being genetically diverse, locally adapted, and associated with traditional farming systems."
DEFINITIONS
The concept of a "landrace" originates from agricultural contexts and reflects the deep interplay between human cultivation practices, environmental adaptation, and genetic diversity. Landraces are defined as locally adapted plant or animal populations that have evolved over time due to natural selection and traditional farming methods. They are distinct from modern cultivars, which undergo formal breeding for uniformity and productivity.
Origins and Early Definitions
The earliest discussions about landraces as genetic resources date back to the 19th century. During the International Agriculture and Forestry Congress in Vienna (1890), participants such as E. von Proskowetz and F. Schindler emphasized the importance of preserving these primitive cultivated forms. However, it was not until the 20th century that specific definitions of landraces were articulated.
Von Rümker (1908) offered one of the first definitions, describing landraces as crop varieties cultivated in specific regions "since time immemorial." These landraces were noted for their adaptation to local conditions and minimal human interference. While concise, this definition also highlighted the resilience of landraces, which retained their traits even when cultivated outside their native regions.
Subsequent definitions, such as those by Mansholt (1909) and Kiessling (1912), expanded on this by introducing the concepts of genetic stability, resistance to adverse conditions, and adaptability. By emphasising a mixture of forms or phenotypes specific to a region, they underlined the genetic heterogeneity within landraces, a stark contrast to the uniformity of modern cultivars.
Landraces are not merely agricultural entities but are also part of the cultural heritage of regions. Zeven emphasizes that they are akin to monuments or traditional folk practices, deeply intertwined with the socio-economic and ecological systems of their regions. This cultural aspect is evident in their naming, often derived from the region of cultivation, phenotypic traits, or historical associations.
Landraces have been integral to sustaining agriculture for millennia. Their ability to thrive under low-input agricultural systems, coupled with their yield stability despite biotic and abiotic stresses, made them invaluable to traditional farming. In contrast, modern cultivars prioritise high yields under optimal conditions, often at the expense of adaptability and genetic diversity.
Key Characteristics of Landraces
According to Zeven, landraces possess several defining traits:
Genetic Diversity: They are genetically heterogeneous, offering resilience against diseases and pests through the presence of diverse genotypes.
Local Adaptation: Landraces evolve specific adaptations to the environmental and cultural conditions of their regions, ensuring their survival and productivity in those settings.
Yield Stability: While not as high-yielding as cultivars, landraces provide dependable yields under traditional agricultural practices.
Cultural Integration: Their cultivation and maintenance are closely linked to local traditions, making them integral to the cultural fabric of rural communities.
Over the decades, the understanding of landraces has broadened. By the mid-20th century, researchers like Harlan (1975) refrained from offering a rigid definition, instead describing landraces as dynamic populations with genetic integrity. Harlan highlighted their equilibrium with the environment and pathogens, emphasizing their genetic adaptability.
By the 1990s, the discourse shifted towards the conservation of these genetic resources. Researchers like Louette et al. (1997) and Teshome et al. (1997) recognized the interdependence of traditional farmers and landraces. They described landraces as "variable plant populations" tailored to local agroclimatic conditions and maintained through farmer selection.
One of the key challenges in defining landraces lies in their dynamic nature. Zeven concludes that no all-encompassing definition can capture their complexity. Instead, he proposes a practical definition:
"An autochthonous landrace is a variety with a high capacity to tolerate biotic and abiotic stress, resulting in high yield stability and an intermediate yield level under a low-input agricultural system."
Conservation efforts have been a recurring theme throughout the history of landraces. Early initiatives in Europe, such as those by Fruwirth and Mayr, emphasized the need to preserve these genetic resources in situ. Modern efforts, spurred by concerns over genetic erosion, focus on both in situ and ex situ conservation to ensure the survival of landraces and their invaluable traits.
Understanding Landraces: A Dynamic and Evolving Concept
The term "landrace" has traditionally been used to describe cultivated varieties of plants that have adapted to specific ecological and cultural environments through natural and human-mediated selection. Historically, these varieties have been viewed as stable entities with distinct characteristics tied to their geographic origins and traditional farming systems. However, Casañas et al. argue that landraces are far from static; instead, they are dynamic populations, continuously evolving due to genetic, environmental, and human influences.
The historical context of landraces begins with their origins as the first domesticated plant varieties. Early farmers played a key role in shaping these populations through selection for traits suited to their agricultural practices and local environmental conditions. Over time, landraces became integral to traditional farming systems, offering resilience and genetic diversity in the face of environmental stresses.
A central theme of the article is the need to redefine the concept of landrace to reflect its dynamic nature. Previous definitions, such as those proposed by Zeven (1998), focused on landraces as genetically heterogeneous populations with high adaptability to biotic and abiotic stresses. These definitions emphasized their ability to produce stable yields under low-input agricultural systems. While these traits remain relevant, Casañas et al. argue that such definitions often overlook the continuous evolution of landraces, including their adaptation to new environments and management systems.
The authors propose a more inclusive definition of landraces, describing them as:
"Cultivated varieties that have evolved and may continue evolving, using conventional or modern breeding techniques, in traditional or new agricultural environments within a defined ecogeographical area and under the influence of local human culture."
This expanded definition acknowledges the role of modern technology and changing agricultural practices in shaping landraces, emphasising their adaptability and potential for future development.
Human intervention has always been a driving force in the evolution of landraces. From the Neolithic period to the present, farmers have acted as both custodians and innovators, selecting for traits such as yield stability, pest resistance, and cultural or sensory preferences. This symbiotic relationship between humans and plants has created landraces that are deeply embedded in local traditions and economies.
The article also highlights the impact of contemporary agricultural practices on landraces. The introduction of modern cultivars and genetic improvement programs has led to the "contamination" of traditional landraces through gene flow and hybridization. While some purists argue that such changes compromise the integrity of landraces, Casañas et al. contend that evolution is an inherent characteristic of landraces, making them adaptable to changing circumstances.
One of the key challenges in landrace conservation is balancing the preservation of their genetic and cultural heritage with the need for modernization. Traditional conservation efforts often focus on maintaining landraces as static entities, either through in situ (on-farm) conservation or ex situ (gene bank) methods. However, the authors argue that this approach risks relegating landraces to the status of "museum relics" rather than living, evolving populations.
To address this, the authors advocate for a participatory approach to conservation, involving farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders. This includes the use of modern breeding techniques to enhance the resilience and productivity of landraces while retaining their essential characteristics. By integrating landraces into contemporary agricultural systems, their genetic diversity and cultural significance can be preserved for future generations.
The article envisions a "new generation" of landraces, developed through a combination of traditional knowledge and modern technology. This approach seeks to harness the strengths of historical landraces while addressing their limitations, such as low yields and vulnerability to new pests. For example, targeted breeding programs could introduce traits like disease resistance or drought tolerance without compromising the unique qualities of landraces.
Casañas et al. also propose the development of "evolved landraces," which incorporate genetic variability generated through mutation, recombination, and crossing with other populations. These new landraces would be tailored to specific environmental and cultural contexts, offering a sustainable alternative to homogeneous commercial cultivars.
To refine:
The concept of landraces has long been tied to the idea of plants evolving in harmony with specific ecological and cultural conditions. Traditionally, landraces are defined as genetically heterogeneous populations adapted to their local environments and traditional farming practices over centuries. However, as agriculture and cultivation methods continue to evolve, so too must our understanding of what constitutes a landrace. Could plants grown indoors under artificial lights and nurtured for decades in the United Kingdom, for example, qualify as a new kind of landrace? Although this notion challenges traditional definitions, it opens up a provocative discussion about the role of modern environments in the preservation and evolution of genetic diversity.
Historically, landraces have been associated with open-field cultivation in specific geographic regions, where natural selection and traditional agricultural practices shaped their traits. These plants thrived in marginal conditions, offering resilience, genetic diversity, and cultural value. Definitions provided by scholars such as Zeven (1998) and Camacho Villa et al. (2005) emphasize characteristics like local adaptation, genetic heterogeneity, and absence of formal breeding.
In contrast, indoor-grown plants are cultivated in controlled environments where variables such as light, temperature, and humidity are artificially manipulated. At first glance, these settings seem far removed from the ecological and cultural landscapes typically associated with landraces. However, when we consider the dynamic nature of landraces and their continuous evolution under human influence, the idea of "indoor landraces" begins to take shape.
Over the past few decades, underground cultivation—especially of plants like cannabis—has thrived under artificial lights in urban environments across the UK and other regions. This form of agriculture emerged partly as a response to prohibition, creating a hidden yet highly innovative ecosystem. Growers adapted their techniques to replicate optimal growing conditions indoors, using tools such as HID,LED lights, hydroponic systems, and climate controls.
Over time, specific strains of plants have been selected and propagated within these closed environments. These strains, often passed down through generations of growers, have adapted to the unique conditions of indoor cultivation. While these plants lack the direct influence of natural environments, they are subjected to another form of selective pressure: the preferences and practices of their cultivators. This parallels the role of farmers in shaping traditional landraces through selection for traits like yield, taste, or resilience.
One of the defining characteristics of landraces is their genetic diversity, which makes them resilient to environmental stresses. Indoor-grown plants, despite their artificial surroundings, can also maintain or even enhance genetic diversity. In the underground cultivation scene, growers often preserve unique genetic lines by avoiding cross-contamination and prioritizing stability. This intentional preservation can mirror the traditional seed-saving practices that have sustained landraces for centuries.
Moreover, just as traditional landraces reflect their cultural and agricultural contexts, indoor strains are shaped by the distinct "culture" of underground growers. These communities value traits such as potency, flavor, and adaptability to artificial conditions, which are passed on through informal breeding programs. In this sense, the plants become a reflection of their environment, much like traditional landraces are shaped by the soil, climate, and culture of their native regions.
The proposal to consider indoor-grown plants as a new type of landrace challenges some of the more rigid aspects of traditional definitions. As Casañas et al. (2017) argue, landraces are not static entities but evolving populations that adapt to changing conditions. Their definition of landraces as "cultivated varieties that have evolved and may continue evolving...under the influence of local human culture" provides a framework for including indoor cultivation within the broader concept.
This expanded definition acknowledges that landraces are not confined to open fields or rural landscapes. Instead, they can emerge wherever humans actively shape the evolution of plants in response to specific conditions—whether those conditions are defined by natural ecosystems or artificial environments. Indoor cultivation represents a form of co-evolution, where plants and growers adapt to each other in a highly controlled yet dynamic setting.
The idea of "underground landraces" also carries symbolic significance. In a world increasingly dominated by monoculture and commercialized agriculture, these plants represent a form of resistance to homogenization. Underground growers, much like traditional farmers, play a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of unique traits that might otherwise be lost in the rush toward uniformity.
Why I am growing UK indoor Landraces?
For this reflection I will refer to the following publications:
"Defining and Identifying Crop Landraces" by Taina Carolina Camacho Villa et al. (2005):
"A landrace is a dynamic population(s) of a cultivated plant that has historical origin, distinct identity and lacks formal crop improvement, as well as often being genetically diverse, locally adapted and associated with traditional farming systems."
"Landraces: A Review of Definitions and Classifications" by A. C. Zeven (1998):
"As a landrace has a complex and indefinable nature, an all-embracing definition cannot be given."
"Toward an Evolved Concept of Landrace" by Pablo Negri (2017):
"Landraces should be viewed as evolving entities in contrast to modern cultivars, which are expected to be maintained true to type according to Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) rules."
The concept of "landraces" plays a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity and the history of agricultural development. Landraces refer to traditional varieties of crops that have evolved through centuries of interaction with their local environments and farming practices.
Landraces have been integral to agriculture since its inception. Early farmers developed these traditional varieties through the continuous cycles of planting, harvesting, and seed-saving.
Over time, landraces adapted to specific agro-ecological and cultural contexts, enriching the genetic pool of crops and ensuring food security for traditional and subsistence farming systems. For millennia, these landraces were the cornerstone of agricultural production and improvement, serving as the foundation for modern crop varieties.
However, the advent of formal plant breeding and genetically uniform cultivars during the 19th and 20th centuries led to the gradual replacement of landraces. These modern cultivars, designed for higher yields under optimal conditions, contributed to a significant reduction in genetic diversity within cultivated crops, a phenomenon known as genetic erosion.
Studies, such as those by Srinivasan et al. (2003), demonstrate how landrace replacement has led to marked reductions in genetic diversity, threatening the resilience and adaptability of agricultural systems.
The difficulty in arriving at a universal definition of landraces due to their dynamic and context-specific nature.
Based on a thorough review of literature, stakeholder workshops, and interviews with conservationists and plant geneticists, the authors of “Defining and Identifying Crop Landraces” identify six key characteristics commonly associated with landraces:
Historical Origin: Landraces have a long-standing history in specific regions, often cultivated for centuries. They are intrinsically linked to the geographical and cultural landscapes where they originated, although migration and informal exchanges have introduced landraces to new regions.
Genetic Diversity: Unlike modern cultivars, landraces are genetically heterogeneous. This diversity provides resilience to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses, making them valuable for crop improvement and adaptation to marginal conditions.
Local Genetic Adaptation: Landraces are uniquely suited to the specific climatic, soil, and agricultural conditions of their regions. This local adaptation ensures yield stability even under suboptimal or adverse conditions.
Recognisable Identity: Landraces are distinct entities often identifiable by their morphological traits, usage, or local names. However, the identification process can be complex due to inconsistencies in naming conventions and overlapping traits.
Lack of Formal Genetic Improvement: Landraces evolve through natural selection and informal, often unconscious, farmer selection. Unlike cultivars developed in formal breeding programs, landraces are shaped by traditional farming practices.
Association with Traditional Farming Systems: Landraces are closely tied to traditional agricultural practices and knowledge systems. Farmers play a pivotal role in maintaining their diversity through seed saving, exchange, and cultivation.
Despite these defining traits, the authors caution that not all characteristics may be present in every landrace. Exceptions often arise due to variations in crop propagation methods, breeding systems, and local conditions.
The conservation of landraces has gained increasing attention due to their role as genetic resources for modern crop improvement and their cultural significance. Conservation efforts focus on both in situ preservation (maintaining landraces within their natural farming systems) and ex situ preservation (storing seeds in gene banks). These efforts are driven by concerns over genetic erosion and the loss of biodiversity caused by the dominance of modern agricultural systems.
Without a clear definition, creating inventories and monitoring changes in landrace populations becomes difficult. To address this, the authors propose a practical working definition:
"A landrace is a dynamic population(s) of a cultivated plant that has historical origin, distinct identity, and lacks formal crop improvement, as well as often being genetically diverse, locally adapted, and associated with traditional farming systems."
DEFINITIONS
The concept of a "landrace" originates from agricultural contexts and reflects the deep interplay between human cultivation practices, environmental adaptation, and genetic diversity. Landraces are defined as locally adapted plant or animal populations that have evolved over time due to natural selection and traditional farming methods. They are distinct from modern cultivars, which undergo formal breeding for uniformity and productivity.
Origins and Early Definitions
The earliest discussions about landraces as genetic resources date back to the 19th century. During the International Agriculture and Forestry Congress in Vienna (1890), participants such as E. von Proskowetz and F. Schindler emphasized the importance of preserving these primitive cultivated forms. However, it was not until the 20th century that specific definitions of landraces were articulated.
Von Rümker (1908) offered one of the first definitions, describing landraces as crop varieties cultivated in specific regions "since time immemorial." These landraces were noted for their adaptation to local conditions and minimal human interference. While concise, this definition also highlighted the resilience of landraces, which retained their traits even when cultivated outside their native regions.
Subsequent definitions, such as those by Mansholt (1909) and Kiessling (1912), expanded on this by introducing the concepts of genetic stability, resistance to adverse conditions, and adaptability. By emphasising a mixture of forms or phenotypes specific to a region, they underlined the genetic heterogeneity within landraces, a stark contrast to the uniformity of modern cultivars.
Landraces are not merely agricultural entities but are also part of the cultural heritage of regions. Zeven emphasizes that they are akin to monuments or traditional folk practices, deeply intertwined with the socio-economic and ecological systems of their regions. This cultural aspect is evident in their naming, often derived from the region of cultivation, phenotypic traits, or historical associations.
Landraces have been integral to sustaining agriculture for millennia. Their ability to thrive under low-input agricultural systems, coupled with their yield stability despite biotic and abiotic stresses, made them invaluable to traditional farming. In contrast, modern cultivars prioritise high yields under optimal conditions, often at the expense of adaptability and genetic diversity.
Key Characteristics of Landraces
According to Zeven, landraces possess several defining traits:
Genetic Diversity: They are genetically heterogeneous, offering resilience against diseases and pests through the presence of diverse genotypes.
Local Adaptation: Landraces evolve specific adaptations to the environmental and cultural conditions of their regions, ensuring their survival and productivity in those settings.
Yield Stability: While not as high-yielding as cultivars, landraces provide dependable yields under traditional agricultural practices.
Cultural Integration: Their cultivation and maintenance are closely linked to local traditions, making them integral to the cultural fabric of rural communities.
Over the decades, the understanding of landraces has broadened. By the mid-20th century, researchers like Harlan (1975) refrained from offering a rigid definition, instead describing landraces as dynamic populations with genetic integrity. Harlan highlighted their equilibrium with the environment and pathogens, emphasizing their genetic adaptability.
By the 1990s, the discourse shifted towards the conservation of these genetic resources. Researchers like Louette et al. (1997) and Teshome et al. (1997) recognized the interdependence of traditional farmers and landraces. They described landraces as "variable plant populations" tailored to local agroclimatic conditions and maintained through farmer selection.
One of the key challenges in defining landraces lies in their dynamic nature. Zeven concludes that no all-encompassing definition can capture their complexity. Instead, he proposes a practical definition:
"An autochthonous landrace is a variety with a high capacity to tolerate biotic and abiotic stress, resulting in high yield stability and an intermediate yield level under a low-input agricultural system."
Conservation efforts have been a recurring theme throughout the history of landraces. Early initiatives in Europe, such as those by Fruwirth and Mayr, emphasized the need to preserve these genetic resources in situ. Modern efforts, spurred by concerns over genetic erosion, focus on both in situ and ex situ conservation to ensure the survival of landraces and their invaluable traits.
Understanding Landraces: A Dynamic and Evolving Concept
The term "landrace" has traditionally been used to describe cultivated varieties of plants that have adapted to specific ecological and cultural environments through natural and human-mediated selection. Historically, these varieties have been viewed as stable entities with distinct characteristics tied to their geographic origins and traditional farming systems. However, Casañas et al. argue that landraces are far from static; instead, they are dynamic populations, continuously evolving due to genetic, environmental, and human influences.
The historical context of landraces begins with their origins as the first domesticated plant varieties. Early farmers played a key role in shaping these populations through selection for traits suited to their agricultural practices and local environmental conditions. Over time, landraces became integral to traditional farming systems, offering resilience and genetic diversity in the face of environmental stresses.
A central theme of the article is the need to redefine the concept of landrace to reflect its dynamic nature. Previous definitions, such as those proposed by Zeven (1998), focused on landraces as genetically heterogeneous populations with high adaptability to biotic and abiotic stresses. These definitions emphasized their ability to produce stable yields under low-input agricultural systems. While these traits remain relevant, Casañas et al. argue that such definitions often overlook the continuous evolution of landraces, including their adaptation to new environments and management systems.
The authors propose a more inclusive definition of landraces, describing them as:
"Cultivated varieties that have evolved and may continue evolving, using conventional or modern breeding techniques, in traditional or new agricultural environments within a defined ecogeographical area and under the influence of local human culture."
This expanded definition acknowledges the role of modern technology and changing agricultural practices in shaping landraces, emphasising their adaptability and potential for future development.
Human intervention has always been a driving force in the evolution of landraces. From the Neolithic period to the present, farmers have acted as both custodians and innovators, selecting for traits such as yield stability, pest resistance, and cultural or sensory preferences. This symbiotic relationship between humans and plants has created landraces that are deeply embedded in local traditions and economies.
The article also highlights the impact of contemporary agricultural practices on landraces. The introduction of modern cultivars and genetic improvement programs has led to the "contamination" of traditional landraces through gene flow and hybridization. While some purists argue that such changes compromise the integrity of landraces, Casañas et al. contend that evolution is an inherent characteristic of landraces, making them adaptable to changing circumstances.
One of the key challenges in landrace conservation is balancing the preservation of their genetic and cultural heritage with the need for modernization. Traditional conservation efforts often focus on maintaining landraces as static entities, either through in situ (on-farm) conservation or ex situ (gene bank) methods. However, the authors argue that this approach risks relegating landraces to the status of "museum relics" rather than living, evolving populations.
To address this, the authors advocate for a participatory approach to conservation, involving farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders. This includes the use of modern breeding techniques to enhance the resilience and productivity of landraces while retaining their essential characteristics. By integrating landraces into contemporary agricultural systems, their genetic diversity and cultural significance can be preserved for future generations.
The article envisions a "new generation" of landraces, developed through a combination of traditional knowledge and modern technology. This approach seeks to harness the strengths of historical landraces while addressing their limitations, such as low yields and vulnerability to new pests. For example, targeted breeding programs could introduce traits like disease resistance or drought tolerance without compromising the unique qualities of landraces.
Casañas et al. also propose the development of "evolved landraces," which incorporate genetic variability generated through mutation, recombination, and crossing with other populations. These new landraces would be tailored to specific environmental and cultural contexts, offering a sustainable alternative to homogeneous commercial cultivars.
To refine:
The concept of landraces has long been tied to the idea of plants evolving in harmony with specific ecological and cultural conditions. Traditionally, landraces are defined as genetically heterogeneous populations adapted to their local environments and traditional farming practices over centuries. However, as agriculture and cultivation methods continue to evolve, so too must our understanding of what constitutes a landrace. Could plants grown indoors under artificial lights and nurtured for decades in the United Kingdom, for example, qualify as a new kind of landrace? Although this notion challenges traditional definitions, it opens up a provocative discussion about the role of modern environments in the preservation and evolution of genetic diversity.
Historically, landraces have been associated with open-field cultivation in specific geographic regions, where natural selection and traditional agricultural practices shaped their traits. These plants thrived in marginal conditions, offering resilience, genetic diversity, and cultural value. Definitions provided by scholars such as Zeven (1998) and Camacho Villa et al. (2005) emphasize characteristics like local adaptation, genetic heterogeneity, and absence of formal breeding.
In contrast, indoor-grown plants are cultivated in controlled environments where variables such as light, temperature, and humidity are artificially manipulated. At first glance, these settings seem far removed from the ecological and cultural landscapes typically associated with landraces. However, when we consider the dynamic nature of landraces and their continuous evolution under human influence, the idea of "indoor landraces" begins to take shape.
Over the past few decades, underground cultivation—especially of plants like cannabis—has thrived under artificial lights in urban environments across the UK and other regions. This form of agriculture emerged partly as a response to prohibition, creating a hidden yet highly innovative ecosystem. Growers adapted their techniques to replicate optimal growing conditions indoors, using tools such as HID,LED lights, hydroponic systems, and climate controls.
Over time, specific strains of plants have been selected and propagated within these closed environments. These strains, often passed down through generations of growers, have adapted to the unique conditions of indoor cultivation. While these plants lack the direct influence of natural environments, they are subjected to another form of selective pressure: the preferences and practices of their cultivators. This parallels the role of farmers in shaping traditional landraces through selection for traits like yield, taste, or resilience.
One of the defining characteristics of landraces is their genetic diversity, which makes them resilient to environmental stresses. Indoor-grown plants, despite their artificial surroundings, can also maintain or even enhance genetic diversity. In the underground cultivation scene, growers often preserve unique genetic lines by avoiding cross-contamination and prioritizing stability. This intentional preservation can mirror the traditional seed-saving practices that have sustained landraces for centuries.
Moreover, just as traditional landraces reflect their cultural and agricultural contexts, indoor strains are shaped by the distinct "culture" of underground growers. These communities value traits such as potency, flavor, and adaptability to artificial conditions, which are passed on through informal breeding programs. In this sense, the plants become a reflection of their environment, much like traditional landraces are shaped by the soil, climate, and culture of their native regions.
The proposal to consider indoor-grown plants as a new type of landrace challenges some of the more rigid aspects of traditional definitions. As Casañas et al. (2017) argue, landraces are not static entities but evolving populations that adapt to changing conditions. Their definition of landraces as "cultivated varieties that have evolved and may continue evolving...under the influence of local human culture" provides a framework for including indoor cultivation within the broader concept.
This expanded definition acknowledges that landraces are not confined to open fields or rural landscapes. Instead, they can emerge wherever humans actively shape the evolution of plants in response to specific conditions—whether those conditions are defined by natural ecosystems or artificial environments. Indoor cultivation represents a form of co-evolution, where plants and growers adapt to each other in a highly controlled yet dynamic setting.
The idea of "underground landraces" also carries symbolic significance. In a world increasingly dominated by monoculture and commercialized agriculture, these plants represent a form of resistance to homogenization. Underground growers, much like traditional farmers, play a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of unique traits that might otherwise be lost in the rush toward uniformity.
Last edited:
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