Lysenkoism is a term used by geneticists and historians to describe the pseudoscientific practices of Russian horticulturist Trofim Denisovich Lysenko [1898-1976] in the totalitarian Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) during the first half of the 20^th century. In rejecting the advancements of modern genetics, the influence of Lysenko and Lysenkoism adversely affected many areas of science, especially research in agricultural genetics. Although historical scholars debate the extent of the blame Lysenkoism deserves for decreased agricultural production, increased famine, and other deprivations for Soviet citizens, Lysenkoism retarded the advancement of modern genetics and resulted in the repression and persecution of Soviet scientists.

In 1927, less than ten years after the 1917 Revolution within in the old Czarist Russian Empire that led to the formation of the Soviet Union, Lysenko observed that pea seeds germinated faster when the seeds were maintained at low temperatures. Lysenko mistakenly concluded that the low temperature...