Ecological benefits of diversification
2003
Finckh, M.R.
Within agricultural systems, the ecological benefits of diversification include (1) reductions in diseases, insects, and weeds, (2) greater yield stability, and (3) improved soil fertility and structure and erosion control. In addition, within diversified systems, coevolutionary processes are encouraged, which allow for the development of new combinations of characteristics and specific adaptations to the diversifies systems themselves. This results in the conservation and development of genetic resources almost as a side-effect of diversification. Disease reductions and yield stability are the most important reasons that growers grow cultivar and species mixtures. But also effects on soilborne diseases, weeds, and insects, soil fertility, lodging, and better overwintering survival of plants are commonly reported. While biodiversity is considered ecologically beneficial in itself, growers have limits to the tolerable diversity that is practical and there is a need to identify and select for functional diversity. The best strategy for obtaining good functional diversity may be to produce genetically heterogeneous cultivars. However, this has to be done with great care. For example, diversity to buffer against stresses will be useful, whereas diversity for quality traits within a field or variety is not desirable in agriculture. Concerns also exist, often unfounded, that product quality such as brewing and baking quality may be affected adversely by mixing. However, when breeders, growers, and processors work together, such obstacles can be overcome.
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