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Quote by Michael Pollan

“In the wild a plant and its pests are continually coevolving, in a dance of resistance and conquest that can have no ultimate victor. But coevolution ceases in an orchard of grafted trees, since they are genetically identical from generation to generation. The problem very simply is that the apple trees no longer reproduce sexually, as they do when they’re grown from seed, and sex is nature’s way of creating fresh genetic combinations. At the same time the viruses, bacteria, fungi, and insects keep very much at it, reproducing sexually and continuing to evolve until eventually they hit on the precise genetic combination that allows them to overcome whatever resistance the apples may have once possessed. Suddenly total victory is in the pests’ sight—unless, that is, people come to the tree’s rescue, wielding the tools of modern chemistry.”

Quote by Michael Pollan

Book:The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World
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The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World

Michael Pollan's The Botany of Desire is a thought-provoking examination of the intricate relationships between humans and plants. The author uses a plant's-eye view to explore the evolution of human desires and how these desires have shaped the development of agriculture, culture, and society. The book examines the apple, tulip, potato, and cannabis, revealing the deep connections between these plants and the human experience. more

Author

Michael Pollan
Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan is an American author renowned for his insightful views on food, agriculture, and culture. His work explores the impact of the modern food industry on health, the environment, and society, as well as the necessity of sustainable food systems. more

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