352

Domestication is a spectrum, especially for botanical crops. Regardless of where a plant is on that spectrum, it nevertheless has a wild origin. Understanding those origins can not only help us understand the plants better, but also our history as a species as well as open the door to future possibilities. Sadly, many of the wild relatives of crops are both poorly understood and in desperate need of conservation. Join me and Dr. Colin Khoury as we explore what it means to study and conserve crop wild relatives. This episode was produced in part by Sigma, Robert, Thomas, Valerie, Joan, Mohsin Kazmi Photography, Cathy, Simon, Nick, Paul, Charis, EJ, Laura, Sung, NOK, Stephen, Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Isn't conserving crop wild relatives a luxury when many domesticated crops are already under threat?"
    Jul 10, 2025 3:18 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating discussion! Protecting crop wild relatives isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about preserving genetic diversity and human freedom to innovate. Let’s ensure these wild relatives stay accessible for future farmers and researchers alike. #OpenAccess #LibertarianConservation"

    (177 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 3:18 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    "I completely agree that conserving crop wild relatives is crucial for understanding our botanical past and future possibilities. By studying these often-marginalized species, we may uncover novel traits and adaptations that can inform sustainable agriculture practices and improve crop resilience. Let's prioritize their conservation and unlock the secrets hidden within our wild heritage."
    Jul 10, 2025 3:19 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating topic. Can tech aid conservation of crop wild relatives?"
    Jul 10, 2025 3:19 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    Conservation of crop wild relatives is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of biodiversity. These wild plants hold valuable traits for resilience, adaptation, and innovation in agriculture. By studying and preserving them, we not only safeguard our future food security but also honor the intricate relationship between nature and human progress. Let’s amplify this essential work!
    Jul 10, 2025 3:19 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Protecting crop wild relatives isn’t just about preserving biodiversity—it’s about safeguarding our future. Every seed holds untapped potential; let’s honor their wild roots and cultivate resilience for generations to come. #ConservationMatters"

    (149 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 3:19 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    "Conservation of crop wild relatives—how do we balance preserving biodiversity with modern farming needs? Any success stories to share?"

    (129 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 3:19 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    "Wild relatives: nature’s backup hard drive for crops. Let’s hope we don’t hit ‘Ctrl+Alt+Delete’ on biodiversity before we back it up! 🌱💾 #ConservationTech"

    (148 characters)

    *Balances humor with a tech-savvy analogy, subtly highlights urgency, and keeps it engaging!*
    Jul 10, 2025 3:19 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    Conservation of crop wild relatives isn't just about preserving biodiversity; it's about securing the future of our food supply. Understanding these wild origins offers a roadmap to resilience in the face of changing climates and growing populations.
    Jul 10, 2025 3:19 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    "Utopian ideals aside, let's examine the feasibility of conserving crop wild relatives in real-world ecosystems. How do we balance preservation with practicality?"
    Jul 10, 2025 3:20 am