The good and the bad of chimera

Chimera can be mistaken for a viral or bacterial infection, but it is actually a genetic disorder that could benefit some producers.

- Bill Kerr

I’ve known farmers who have come across symptoms of chimera on their plants, and asked me how the ‘disease’ should be treated. Unless you’re familiar with the condition, the symptoms look like those of a horrific virus: the leaves have a mottled appearance as if they are severely diseased.

Chimera, however, is actually a genetic condition in which two genotypes are present in one organism. Or, put another way, the plant contains two sets of DNA, with the code to make two separate organisms, but joined together.

MUTATION

The condition usually arises from a mutation, and can be a useful condition in some plants, particularly trees and shrubs. These plants can have ornamental value, with their mottled patterns serving as attractive highlights in the garden.