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Today I asked Monty Don a question

(29 Posts)
johanna Wed 19-Dec-12 18:37:14

Now, now ladies. Careful..it is only Christmas week!

Gambolling is usually in spring is it not?
Back to the sherry.!

whenim64 Wed 19-Dec-12 18:30:53

Monty Don, eh? Next time, do the decent thing and invite us all along with you, bags! grin

Some strange creatures have developed from selective breeding and, in the dog world, have caused more harm than good. They may have to fix genetic problems by manipulating chromosomes, rather than the longer process of generations of unhealthy litters.

I think we need Monty Don to come back and put some effort into replying constructively to your question - I have some questions of my own that he might address grin

JessM Wed 19-Dec-12 18:12:30

I agree with you about breeding etc.
Did you actually meet the delectable MD?????

Bags Wed 19-Dec-12 17:33:32

Today I asked Monty Don whether there really is a difference in principle between selective breeding in farming, which has happened ever since humans first started farming, and genetic engineering. My view is the difference is only one of scale, not of principle. The scales involved are time and size. GM is quicker than selective breeding. Selective breeding involves 'manipulating' whole chromosomes-worth of genetic characteristics over generations. GM involves manipulating individual genes.

Monty Don couldn't give me an answer.

But someone else recommended this book which is about the work of a married couple, one of whom is a plant geneticist, and one of whom is an organic farmer.

The reviews on the page the link takes you to are good. I might get a copy some time.