History Extra podcast The botanists of besieged Leningrad
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Apr 15, 2025 Simon Parkin, a writer and journalist, shares the incredible story behind the botanists who safeguarded the world's first seed bank during the harrowing Siege of Leningrad. He discusses the life and dedication of Nikolai Vavilov, who championed biodiversity despite facing starvation and political oppression. Listeners will discover the juxtaposition of scientific passion and survival against the backdrop of war, highlighting the extraordinary resilience of those committed to preserving plant species for future generations.
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Discovery of the Seed Bank Story
- Simon Parkin learned about the Leningrad seed bank through a newspaper article about a land dispute.
- Developers wanted to build on land containing rare trees planted by botanists during World War II.
Seed Bank Origins
- The Leningrad seed bank, a prototype in the early 20th century, collected seeds from across Russia.
- Nikolai Vavilov expanded it globally after the revolution, aiming to create super crops.
Shifting State Support
- Initially, the Soviet state supported Vavilov's seed bank, funding international expeditions.
- Later, Stalin's suspicion of Vavilov's foreign travel and the politicization of science led to Vavilov's arrest.
