Today in Technology History
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November 20
Soviet biologist Trofim Denisovich Lysenko died 25 years ago. He did enormous damage to Soviet science and agriculture.
Lysenko (pronounced lih-SYEN-ko) was born in 1898, the child of Russian peasant farmers. He studied horticulture and agriculture during the turbulent years of the Russian revolution and the birth of the U.S.S.R.
Starting in the 1920s, Lysenko became convinced that the principles of genetics were completely wrong and he began to denounce the scientists who had discovered them. Contrary to the teachings of genetics, Lysenko believed that he could grow entirely new strains of wheat by adjusting the environment in which the wheat grew. For instance, he claimed that seeds soaked in cold water would grow better in cold climates.
Lysenko's crackpot ideas were promptly rejected by mainstream Russian scientists, but he cleverly couched his arguments in terms that fit the prevailing Soviet philosophy -- thus ingratiating himself with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. In typical Soviet fashion, Lysenko's opponents were imprisoned and he was installed in positions of power.
So far, everything we've mentioned has been strictly scientific. Here's where the technology comes in: Lysenko's ideas were put into practice on a massive scale on the Soviet Union's collectivized farms. His policies regarding seeds, plowing, fertilizers and pesticides were mandated across the country. The problems were as abundant as the food wasn't.
When China's communist leaders followed in Russia's footsteps by instituting Lysenko's suggestions, the result was a massive famine that killed millions.
Only after the 1953 death of his patron, Stalin, did Lysenko fall from power. He died on November 20, 1976.
Related links:
Click here to read more about Lysenko.
Click here to read about how Lysenko's ideas led to famine and starvation in Russia and China.
Click here for a critical view of Lysenkoism.
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