Alan Kapuler: Reflections from an Organic Seed Breeder and Pioneer in Organic Farming

The speaker shares their journey into gardening, starting from a commune in Oregon to developing a deep passion for plant diversity and breeding. They discuss the importance of learning about world flora, experimenting with plant breeding, and the significance of nutritional diversity. The narrative emphasizes personal growth through gardening and the broader implications of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

What motivated the speaker to start gardening in Southern Oregon?

• Interest in organic farming

• Family tradition

• Running out of money

• A desire to work with nature

Why did the speaker move to Corvallis?

• To escape city life

• To start a new farm

• To access the Oregon State University library

• To join a gardening club

What is an F1 hybrid in plant breeding?

• A plant with one parent

• The first generation from a cross between two different parent plants

• A plant that is self-pollinated

• A plant with two identical parents

Which historical figure's work did the speaker study to learn about pea breeding?

• Charles Darwin

• Gregor Mendel

• George Washington Carver

• Luther Burbank

What was the speaker's conclusion about the origins of most plants?

• They were brought by aliens

• They have earthly origins

• They are hybrids of unknown species

• They are genetically modified

What does the speaker believe is the best way to achieve nutritional balance?

• Following a strict diet

• Avoiding all processed foods

• Eating a single type of food

• Consuming a diverse range of foods

What childhood experience influenced the speaker's love for corn?

• Eating corn at a family dinner

• Playing in a cornfield

• Growing corn in their backyard

• Visiting a corn festival

Which crop does the speaker mention as a favorite due to its breeding success?

• Golden Jubilee corn

• Amish tomato

• Scarlet Emperor beans

• Hokkaido squash

What is the speaker's view on having favorite plants?

• They think favorites are essential

• They prefer not to have favorites

• They believe in having a few favorites

• They only have one favorite plant

What does the speaker suggest is the true miracle of life?

• Technological advancements

• Biodiversity

• Economic growth

• Cultural diversity