Plants talking back….

Plant breeders develop new varieties of crops. Growers clamour for these seeds and they are invariably planted far and wide in diverse environments. Germplasm adapting to changing environments with the help of humans. Are the humans really in charge? Or are the plants ruling? Maybe it is the plants who are manipulating humans.

A homeowner in Haines City Florida, got “tricked” by his grass (lawn) into getting rid of shade trees so that the grass could get abundant sunlight. Matter of fact, St. Augustine grass (his “chosen” variety of lawn grass) has evolved to be heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and salt tolerant – thanks to manipulation of humans (grass breeders). Most of the homeowners in that city in Florida sow St. Augustine. The grass variety has convinced the humans that it establishes quickly and easily……never mind the sprinklers are going every day to keep the lawn irrigated. Plus they have to pay service-providers good money to fertilize the grass and spray for chinch bugs. Sure that lawn is laughing loudly right now. Makes no sense you say? Listen to Michael Pollan explain this Darwinian phenomenon and you will get the picture…..you only think that you are in charge…..plants rule……