RZ-100-wt4-E-flipbook-240702 - Flipbook - Page 76
Biotechnology
The latest development in plant breeding is the
use of modern biotechnology. This new science
opens up the possibility of deeper insights
into the genetic structure of plants. It provides
important support for plant breeders in their
work. Disadvantages of this technology are
its high cost and the specialised knowledge
that it requires. Because of these two factors,
it is commonly assumed that only the large
multinationals can afford to apply modern
biotechnology. They see the huge potential of
this technology – which, incidentally, is not
limited to plant material.
However, what these capital-rich businesses lack
is the connection with the cultivation process
and genetic material. They have the technology
Breeding on cellular level.
From the 1980 catalogue.
74
In Almeria, Spain, selection and variety trials have
but not the genetic material. So in the early 1980s,
now started with cucumbers, sweet peppers,
they start to reach out to the plant breeding
tomatoes and aubergines. Rijk Zwaan senses that
companies. The fact that multinationals are mainly
there are good opportunities for these products in
interested in Dutch plant breeders is because the
the southern countries. As a result, sales and profits
Dutch industry has started to play a leading role in
show an upward trend in the first years after 1980.
the world at this point in time.
So there seems to be no problem. However, there
The intense specialisation that took place in the
are a number of developments that may yet cause
1970s has led to the emergence of a small number
some concern.
of specialised vegetable breeders..
Frequently-used image in the 1980s.
The 1984-1985 catalogue.
Rijk Zwaan | Moving forward together
