Conservative selection of forgotten varieties
Maintenance and conservative selection of old varieties
When interesting strains of varieties are found, the work of the Ferme de Sainte Marthe consists of conservative selection, in other words, ensuring that the cultivation allows the intrinsic qualities of the variety to be preserved over the years. Currently, a number of seed producers are engaged in conservative selection, with the aim, for some, like the Ferme de Sainte Marthe, of offering varieties to garden enthusiasts and, for others, of participating in varietal creation.
Two methods are used for variety maintenance.
In situ cultivation, in an agricultural production context, ensures the essential maintenance. However, a sufficient population is required to allow for diversity that facilitates adaptation.
Ex situ conservation has the advantage of being able to group together a certain number of samples, as we do at the Ferme de Sainte Marthe, but it increases the risk of degeneration and the fragility of the variety. It is imperative that it be replanted regularly and, if possible, in diverse locations and ecosystems to strengthen its characteristics and resistance to disease.
Sainte Marthe Farm combines both types of conservation—favoring in situ cultivation—to ensure the variety's longevity. If a deviation occurs, we start from a base batch of seeds selected and preserved for this purpose.
