Sorry HDR, your information is not correct and I need to set it straight. Hybridization is NOT what is meant by genetic engineering although too many interchange the terms in common use, causing confused misinformation. :s Hybridization is about cross-pollination, NOT gene splicing. The difference is legally very important in the organic certification world.
highdesertranger said:
or buy heirloom seeds to get away from the hybrids. any type of hybrid will not produce. everything you buy in the store is a hybrid not just stuff from Monsanto it's been that way at least since the 60's. also hybrid seeds are genetically engineered. they just never used to call it that. for that matter so are most domesticated animals including dogs and cats. highdesertranger
TL/DR: Make sure to get heirloom or older hybrid seeds that breed true if your intention is to stock up for seed barter or zombie apocalypse situations
---some heirloom seeds are available at many of the big box stores and the local hardware stores now. Don't just go by what some backyard gardener at a farmer's market says--I've found few that know. :dodgy: Link to get started, for those that wish to research, provided at bottom of post.
Plant Lesson for those that wish to know-
GMO-Genetically Manufactured Organism
GEO-Genetically Engineered Organism
GMO/GEO use non-related genes- for example, splicing BT into corn genes to give corn it's own "pesticide" against worms
Hybrid- new versions of similar plants created through cross-pollination (someone uses pollen from a plant whose characteristics they would like to breed with the plant they are pollinating) This occurs in nature as well as through intentional human effort.
A GMO/GEO can be a hybrid, but being hybrid does NOT mean GMO/GEO. GMO/GEO will cause sterile seeds--a big concern if they manage to pollinate the non-GMO/GEO crops, yet the GMO/GEO corporations see that as $$$$$ for them.
Some hybrids can become open-pollinated like heirlooms. Older varieties that have been grown and selected and saved for years then will grow true to type. (Just like species of dogs are true to type now though they originated from one ancestor--that was through hybridization not genetic engineering.) It is true that newer hybrids will most likely not grow true from saved seed and the seed may possibly be sterile.
Heirlooms are seeds/plants that have either not been created through cross-pollination or were created so long ago that it doesn't matter. The plant is true to type from seed. Depending on growing situation there is an opportunity for pollination from related plants possibly leading to a hybrid crop. There is concern with this, especially for organic growers, if for example, their heirloom organic corn and the GMO corn next door come into pollen at the same time. Lawsuits can be searched online.
Speaking of organic- Any seed can be grown organically, but NO GMO/GEO seed/plant can be certified organic at this time. Hybrid seeds are grown naturally (only changes are through cross-pollination) and can be certified organic just like heirloom seeds. :exclamation:
For those who wish to read more here is some light reading
LOL:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program