 However, this method had already been known by farmers since the 1800s, and had recently been discussed in detail by Gustav Gassner in 1918.Lysenko himself translated Jarovization as "vernalization" (from the Latin "vernum" meaning Spring).Lysenko's claims for increased yields were based on plantings over a few hectares, and he believed that the vernalized transformation could be inherited, that the offspring of a vernalized plant would themselves possess the capabilities of the generation that preceded itthat it too would be able to withstand harsh winters or imperfect weather conditions.