January 1990
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15 Reads
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23 Citations
The increased sophistication of genetic manipulation of crop species during this century is reviewed, noting the effect on genetic characteristics of modern crop varieties. The values of sustainable agriculture are defined, eg the principle that agriculture is a biological process, that soil should be seen as a living system, and maintenance of complexity and diversity in plant types and cropping systems. The history of the development of the tomato Lycopersicon esculentum variety VF145 illustrates how genetic variability has been reduced. This is contrasted with the increased genetic diversity needed in sustainable agriculture, which facilitates a lowered reliance on synthetic organic chemicals, and relative tolerance to crop pests. The benefits for weed control, insect and disease resistance, fruit quality, quantitative genetic traits and the future prospects for genetic engineering are discussed. -J.W.Cooper