Blog Post #6

BLOG POST #6: DEVELOPING A SEED CROP PLAN FOR 3 CROPS

 Lactuca Sativa Reines des Glaces- as a natural inbreeder there is little risk of inbreeding depression and also very low risk for cross pollination, planting other crops as a barrier between lettuce varieties should do the trick of distracting potential insect pollinators that might provide a cross.
Minimum population size for lettuce is 20 plants.
In 2019 I will plant out 40 plants.

Allium porrum King Richard
Alliums generally display inbreeding depression, Leeks are often pollinated by honey bees which we have on the farm. To envcourage them to visit the leeks, we can plant bee balm, lavendar, echincea, butter fly bush, black eyed susans close by. The minimum population size for maintaining genetic varibility is 20- 80 plants. In the fall of 2018 after selection, I have 30 plants to save for seed.

Beta Vulgaris Early Wonder Tall top
Garden beets can display inbreeding depression as they are cross pollinators. Beets are pollinated by the wind and so providing physical barriers between potential crossers is the way to go.
The minimum population  size for maintaing genetic variability is 120 to 200 plants.
In 2019 I will attempt to save 200 plants.