Blog Post #5 Determine isolation requirements for your seed crops

The genus/species/cultivar names of each of the crops I will be growing are:

Lactuca Sativa Reines des Glaces

Allium porrum King Richard

Beta vulgaris Early Wonder Tall Top

Achieving Isolation Distances:
 
Allium porrum King Richard (Allium ampeloprasum)

The recommended isolation distance is 1.6 km, or 0.8 km if there are substantial physical barriers between the crops.
It is unlikely that cross-pollination will occur as we only allow one variety of leek to over winter each year, and there isn't any wild varieties in the area.
We are able to provide this isolation distance between the first year leeks and the second year leeks, by planting in different fields. The farm is situated on a diverse, ecological rich piece of land with many trees, wild area, hills etc. separate the fields. In case of early vernalization occurring due to a cold spring stretch which might trigger first year leeks to flower, we can monitor this crop and pull anything that sends up a shoot.

Beta vulgaris Early Wonder Tall Top

Cross pollinated by the wind, recommended isolation distances are 1.6-3.2 km for beet crops of the same colour; 2.4 km-4.8 km for beets of different colours; and 4.8-8 km for different B. vulgaris crops.
We can provide this isolation distance by planting out the roots for seed in a field away from the main growing area.
There is a possible chance of cross pollination with this crop if  other B. vulgaris varieties such as Swiss chard and other garden beet varieties are triggered into vernalization, and the flowering plants are not rouged out immediately.
The field planned to host the beets, is separated by a forested away from the other fields.


 Lactuca Sativa Reines des Glaces 

Highly self-pollinated, 10-50 ft are recommended isolation distances. Lettuce will cross with a wild lettuce (L. serriola) if located in close proximity.
We are able to keep these isolation distances quite easily by separating the lettuce varieties into different areas, and planting other cultivars in between the plantings. Careful observation of any wild lettuces in the immediate area, and keeping the area well cultivated will ensure no cross pollination with the wild lettuce varieties.