The need for biosafety was recognised as soon as the first GMO was created The term biosafety (sometimes also biological safety) has several meanings in Estonian. In a narrower sense, it means the prevention of diseases, poisonings, or allergies caused by biological organisms. This approach is used in the fields of food safety [1] and occupational health [2], as well as laboratory rules [3]...

Indigenous horticultural plants. How to keep them? Horticulture has become a science, and few have retained the knowledge and skills for growing food for themselves. Fortunately, there are a number of grandmothers who have been collecting vegetable seeds year after year, and so, many of the native plants grown in the farm gardens have survived. Horticulture in Estonia dates back to the beginning...

National support measures are needed to preserve indigenous breeds Six local endangered breeds have been officially recognised in Estonia: Estonian native cattle and the Estonian Native horse, the Estonian Draft horse and the old (universal direction) population of the Tori horse, the Estonian quail and the Kihnu native sheep [1]. Preservation of the breeds suitable for Estonia as well as genetic...

Indigenous breeds and varieties are grown less due to lower productivity and they are at risk of extinction Indigenous breeds (i.e. native breeds) and indigenous varieties are animal breeds or plant varieties created as a result of various factors, like local conditions, climate, and human breeding work. They are also called aboriginal breeds and varieties. Because they are bred and adapted for...

Natural genetic diversity is protected either in situ (in nature, in the species’ natural habitat) or ex situ (outside its natural habitat, under farm conditions) Genetic diversity is protected both as natural diversity and as agricultural genetic diversity or other genetic diversity necessary for humans (crops, pets, medicinal plants, etc.). Natural genetic diversity is protected either in situ...

Greater genetic variability allows a population to better adapt to the changes in the environment Genetic diversity is the diversity of the units of heredity (genes). Genetic diversity, or gene pool, is usually understood in the meaning of genetic diversity within a species or within a population. Genetic diversity is crucial for nature. Greater genetic variability allows a population to better...

The species of the year receives more attention throughout the year Every year, natural scientists and environmentalists select new species to be introduced during the year. The animal of the year is selected (so far, only mammals have been selected), but also the bird, tree, fish, butterfly, orchid, moss, and fungus, as well as soil of the year. By being named the species of the year, the species...

Estonian national species: the barn swallow, the cornflower, the wolf, the Baltic herring, and the common yellow swallowtail Many countries have symbolic national species – birds, animals, or plants – which are used as national symbols, for example on flags, coats of arms, banknotes, and stamps. Perhaps one of the most famous national species is the bald eagle of the United States. When the...

The difficult journey of the control of alien species: the giant hogweed and Sosnowsky’s hogweed in Estonia? Systematic control of alien species in Estonia began with two species of hogweed: the giant hogweed and Sosnowsky’s hogweed. They were brought to us mainly as silage during the Soviet era, but have proved to be troublesome nuisances that have now been controlled for more than a decade. The...

Alien species: the picture of success? Alien species invading new habitats with human help is a global problem. These alien species can seriously upset the local natural balance, reduce biodiversity, affect the economy, and endanger human health. Alien species are species that have spread beyond their natural range with the intentional or unintentional assistance of humans. However, species that...