Open Source Nursery
Methodology
One low cost avenue of starting a nursery from scratch is by using seeds. The advantage is genetic diversity that comes from cross-fertilization of seed, as opposed to cloning by vegetative propagation (cutting, layering, grafting, tissue culture, etc.). The disadvantage is that some species may not come true from seed. That depends on the plant. In general heirloom plant varieties will have more favorable results. The methodology for seed propagation involves:
- Seeking named varieties of a plant, such as Blue Moon variety of honeyberry, or Leikora variety of seaberry
- Obtaining a comprehensive list of known varieties (from University extensions, research centers, others)
- Finding sources of seed
- Providing growing instructions.
Many varieties may not be available from commercial sources. Further, many varieties may be found already growing in other parts of the world, but export controls or remoteness may make them unknown though of high potential. Thus, a research effort of finding seed may involve making contacts with individuals, institutions, research department, plant hackers such as Haskactivists, and otherwise obtaining stock. Heirloom varieties are typically robust - have high genetic diversity - and may be more likely to come true from seed. OSE is seeking useful seed sources for the following, from wild types to named varieties:
- Honeyberry
- Seaberry
- Pawpaw
- Persimmon
- Raspberry
- Blueberry
- Hazelnut
- Chestnut
- Peach
- Cherry
- Plum
- Apple
- Pear
OSE's 20 year goal is to set up a large number of OSE Campuses - R&D & Education facilities - worldwide. OSE's platform involves afforesting and restoring the land with permanent agriculture, possibly Allan Savory's holistic management, as well as restoring appropriate technology to the land. The agriculture aspect involves breeding locally adapted varieties of crops, using best-practice methodologies for doing so, such as adopting Badgersett Research techniques for swarm breeding.
Notes
- Blueberries - can be grown from seed - [1]. U Maine Extension getting seed from fruit - [2]. No stratification required - [3]
- Raspberries - heirloom types - http://www.backyardberryplants.com/plants/raspberriesblackberries/]
- Honeyberry - [4]
Supplies
- Conetainers - 8 cents in quantities of 1100 - [5]
Seeds
- Seaberry - Sheffields + Lawyer