In her book evolution made to order curry elucidates three major innovations in american plant breeding techniques during the 20th century the use of x rays colchicine and radioisotopes to bring about mutations and speed up evolution along the way she introduces us to important plant breeders and scientists including albert blakeslee david burpee bernard nebel mable ruttle arnold sparrow lewis stadler ralph singleton and others who strove to feed the world. In the middle decades of the twentieth century americans celebrated a series of strange tools as the likely harbingers of an agricultural revolution these included x ray devices a toxic chemical compound called colchicine and various radiation generating technologies of the atomic age such as artificial radioisotopes and nuclear reactors. Evolution made to order plant breeding and technological innovation in twentieth century america. Download citation evolution made to order plant breeding and technological innovation in twentieth century america in this excellent and timely first book helen anne curry explores the . An immersive journey through the scientific and social worlds of midcentury genetics and plant breeding and a compelling exploration of american cultures of innovation evolution made to order