01-20-2016, 12:21 AM
Carnos Jax wrote:
Traditionally, man used to manipulate things genetically through the sexual/cross-breeding/hybridization process.
That's a myth.
Highly alkaline chemicals have routinely been used to mutate plants for centuries. Cabbages were mutated into brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower by exposing them to mutagens in bogs and fens, then selectively bred. Wheat and corn had favorable germs shot into them to try an make giant polyploid variations. Corn and barley were exposed to radiation in the 1920s to produce bigger varieties. Post WWII California white rice (one of the most popular strains in the world) comes from a variety created by exposure to gamma rays (looking for peaceful use of nuclear technology) and half the soybean crops in the world have been similarly mutated.
...And thanks to the methods used, every one of 'em can be certified organic.