Plant Domestication

Plant domestication is the process by which humans selectively cultivated wild plants to enhance desirable traits such as larger size, better taste, or easier harvestability. Over thousands of years, farmers choose plants that meet their needs, gradually transforming wild species into cultivated crops. This process involves genetic changes that make the plants more suited for human use, often leading to reduced natural defenses. Domestication has enabled agriculture, supporting human populations by providing reliable, controllable food sources. It’s a key part of human history, shaping the plants we rely on today for food, medicine, and other uses.