Do you know what a wild courgette or a tomato looks like?
- May 17
- 6 min read
Nope, neither do I. We have been super successful at selective breeding and creating hybrids. Some edibles of today look so wildly different to their original ancestors, it will be difficult not to gasp.
Take the modern corn. It is a product of 9000 years of selective breeding of the Mexican grass called Teosinte. 17th Century watermelons were thick skinned, less fleshy, seedy and bitter, carrots were white, peaches were cherry sized and bananas were significantly grittier.
The Cavendish banana which is the most common commercial breed is seedless and large. The wild banana of the Papua New Guinea is tiny and full of seeds and can still be found in the forests, but it is at risk of deforestation and climate change.
These are all examples of centuries of selection, open pollination, plant evolution, controlled crossbreeding, forming the basis of what we call heirloom varieties.
What are Heirloom seeds?
Heirloom varieties are seeds that have been saved and passed down across several generations. They are ‘open pollinated’ where the flowers rely on insects, birds, wind, etc to pollinate the crop.
Collectively, heirloom varieties preserve a broad range of genetic diversity. They are known for their rich, complex flavours and varied shapes, sizes and colours.
Plants from these seeds are more adaptable to their environments. Over generations, thanks to epigenetic effect, heirloom varieties subtly tweak their own gene expression to match the specific quirks of a local microclimate, regional rainfall patterns and soil chemistry.
Saving heirloom seeds not only gives a true-to-type crop next year but also allows you over time to cultivate food that is specially adjusted to your environment.
The rise of Hybrid seeds
For a while we have been working at natures pace. Then in the early 20th centuries, we’ve decided we are rather short on time to go through the lengthy process of breeding that our ancestors relied on. Scientific leaps allowed us to speed up the process from centuries to decades and produced hybrids.
Hybrids, often referred to as F1 (first filial generation) seeds, have been created by using two plants with specific characteristics. There are also F2 and F3 seeds, but these are mainly used by scientist and commercial breeders.
In your first year of growing F1 seeds you will have supermarket quality produce. High yield, uniform shapes, disease resistance, but low nutrient and low flavour.
If you try to save seeds from the plant you have grown, the next years crop will not be true-to-type and will show a random mix of parental traits. To have the same crop you must continue buying hybrid seeds every year.
Gene editing and the future of food in England
21st century rolled on and we've become even more short on time due to a larger population and the added bonus of climate change. This time science is going to allow us once again to speed up the process from 10-20 years to 2-5 years thanks to gene editing.
Gene edited seeds are not available for purchase yet, this is a very recent law. But it is worthwhile understanding what it means.
Gene editing is manipulation of the organisms’ native DNA, by removing or editing specific genes. This is different to genetically modified organisms, where a new genetic material from another species is introduced.
The UK Law right now only permits precision breeding that
‘involves introducing genetic changes into the DNA of plants or animals limited to those that could occur through traditional breeding methods. These changes are introduced using modern biotechnology techniques such as gene editing. Other genetic changes, such as those involving insertion of foreign DNA into the genome, will continue to be regulated as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)’.
This means that commercial bodies now have a clearer route to bring gene edited varieties to market. And wherever there is a large technological investment, intellectual property follows. Could this be a simple foot in the door for the future of seed patenting and the right to save seeds?
Seed patents and UK approach to food independence
UK Genetic Technology Act does not address the intellectual property position with respect to precision breeding, so UK follows European Patent Office approach, which means that
"plants and animals can be patented where they are not 'exclusively obtained by means of an essentially biological process' and if the invention is not confined to a particular plant or animal variety. Therefore, plants or animals that are produced by a technical process, such as gene editing that modifies the genetic characteristics of the plant or animal are, in theory, patentable."
The wonderful thing is that UK farmers are protected under "Farmer's Privilege" which states that farmers have the right to save and reuse certain protected commercial seed varieties covered by plant breeders’ rights, but must pay royalty, with small farmers being exempt from it. Traditional heirloom and open-pollinated varieties are generally not subject to these royalties. This Farm Saved Seed allows farmers to control their costs based on the farm needs.
“A breeder will only realise his full royalty income in the first year he has a new variety on the market. After the first year 45% of his market will go into farm-saved seed, which is about half the royalty. ”
The UK approach seems like a well balanced system, which allows farmers to save on seed costs, while making investment in the future seed development. It controls potential greed on both sides.
Unlike the royalty-based system, patenting prohibits farmers from saving seeds altogether, because patent law grants inventors exclusive ownership rights, meaning you cannot replicate the invention, in this case a genetically edited seed. The question is does the patent prohibit or the people who own the patent choose to prohibit? The entity that owns the patent can still use a royalty-based system, so why don't they? And if this is a more profitable system, is it possible that UK farmers could fall prey to it?
Final thoughts
This brings me back to the ancestral bounty of heirlooms, our genetic backup vault. They are, like the wild cousins, tested by the time and environment, they support biodiversity and seed independence, they are flavoursome and nutritious, the ultimate things we seek in our food.
This season, my vertical allotment is packed to the brim with seeds from Real Seeds and She Grows Veg (no affiliation or kick back with either company, I simply like what they do).
 |  |
The staples - 3 varieties of tomatoes and beans.
The climbers - 2 types of squash and cucumber.
The experiments - Melon, brussels sprouts, aubergine and sweet peppers.
The wildcards - Pomegranate, passion fruit and prickly pear.
Both companies offer how to guides for seed saving. The variety of choice is fantastic, and I particularly like how Real Seeds have updates and notes on growing habits against certain varieties they tested or received unusual feedback. If seeds are rare and difficult to get hold of, Real Seeds will make this clear. She Grows Veg has delicious recipes for your produce as well as wonderful growing tips even for the indoor growers. Have a look and if you feel that way inclined, let me know what you've decided to go for.
Welcome to The Plant Notebook
My name is Anna and I'm a maker with an interest in plants. I run Horticus from my pottery studio in Leicester where I make my living wall kits, write about indoor gardening and dabble in fun experiments.
Comments