The Plight of Monoculture in French Vineyards

In 1863, French vineyards faced a devastating plague as sap-sucking insects wreaked havoc on their grapevines. The problem was exacerbated by the monoculture of grape varieties, which lacked natural resistance to the pests, resulting in massive destruction over the years. However, winemakers turned to more diverse options by grafting their native vines onto American plants that had developed resistance to the insects. This introduction of biodiversity not only saved the industry but also highlighted the resilience that can be achieved through diversity in any ecosystem.