So there’s this thing in the world of mainstream journalism called the embargo. Journalists receive a press release, but they’re not allowed to publish the news until after the embargo time. This deal gives the journalist time to research and prepare the story, and supposedly levels the playing field for all. Occasionally someone breaks the embargo, and sometimes they even get a slap on the wrist. And the source of the news then usually decides to lift the embargo, resulting in an unseemly scramble of journalists. Or not.
Which has what, exactly, to do with agricultural biodiversity, I hear you ask.
This. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has a big special feature all about “The Modern View of Domestication,” embargoed until Monday afternoon next week. And one of the papers is a fascinating look at the domestication of chilli peppers, bringing all sorts of different evidence to bear and shifting the birthplace of domesticated chillis somewhat to the south. I can tell you this because the naughty Sacramento Bee broke the embargo. Which I knew because I subscribe to Embargo Watch.
What can I tell you? Nothing; it’s under embargo.