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How humans influence plant genes: What is the science behind cultivar?
In the world of agriculture and horticulture, a cultivar is a plant that has been selected for specific traits and is able to maintain those traits when bred. When humans use scientific methods to select, improve and cultivate plants, cultivar becomes a concrete manifestation of the interaction between humans and the natural world.
“Cultivar is the product of human activity, which allows them to exhibit superior traits in certain environments.”
As we all know, cultivar originates from human selection and breeding, but the process involves many complex scientific principles. During this process, horticulturists not only rely on visual observation, but also use genetics and biotechnology to optimize plant characteristics. These methods include division, cuttings, grafting and tissue culture.
Nomenclature and legal protection of cultivated varieties
Cultivar has a specific naming convention. Under the International Convention of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants, cultivar names must follow legal regulations and be commercialized. These names usually consist of the scientific nomenclature (the Latin name) and a cultivar affix, such as "Rosa 'Peace'". However, for some specific varieties, such names may also be protected by law under plant breeder's rights. A protected cultivar usually means that the inventor of the variety enjoys unique commercial rights and protects his or her economic interests through legal plant patents or breeder's rights.
“Legal protection is intended to prevent other cultivators from copying and selling a new cultivar as soon as it is released on the market, thereby undermining the interests of the breeder.”
How humans affect plant genes
Historically, cultivar formation has relied not only on natural selection but also on selective breeding by humans. These selective breeding efforts have drastically altered the genetic makeup of some plants, leading to significant changes in traits. For example, olives, roses, crops, and most other cultivars grown today are produced by this process.
In addition, the use of genetic improvement techniques has also played a key role in the evolution of cultivar. Gene editing technologies such as CRISPR are being used in plant breeding, allowing plant traits such as disease resistance, yield and flavor to be improved at the genetic level.
Different types of cultivars
Cultivar can be divided into two types: asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. Asexually reproducing cultivars, such as some woody plants, are usually clones, with identical genetic combinations. Cultivars that reproduce sexually may experience genetic recombination as seeds grow into new plants, providing greater variability and adaptability.
"The formation of cultivars is often a reflection of human selection for natural variation, which directly changes the genetic structure of the plant."
Future Prospects and Challenges
As the focus on plant breeding continues to grow, how humans can better use these selected plant variants to address the challenges of food security and climate change will become an important topic. As legal and ethical issues become more complicated, scientists and agricultural producers need to face the question of how to protect intellectual property rights while ensuring that traditional breeding methods, native plants and the overall ecological environment are not affected.
In this context, cultivar is not only a representation of human wisdom, but also a symbol of our profound understanding and reshaping of the natural world. In this process, how do you think future cultivars will affect our agriculture and ecosystems?
