Chapter 8: Problem 7

Explain the importance of genetic diversity of crops to the plant breeders of the Green Revolution.

Short Answer

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Genetic diversity of crops is critical for plant breeders in the Green Revolution as it enables the development of improved crop varieties with higher yields, better nutritional quality, and resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. Moreover, it allows for the creation of region-specific crop varieties, ensuring agricultural success in diverse environments and contributing to global food security.

Step by step solution

Introduction

The Green Revolution refers to a period of rapid increase in agricultural production, particularly in developing countries, due to the development of high-yielding varieties of crops, improved irrigation techniques, and the use of modern chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Genetic diversity of crops plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the Green Revolution and is of great importance to plant breeders.

Genetic Diversity: Overview

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genetic material present within a particular population of organisms. In the context of crops, genetic diversity can represent the different genes and traits found in various crop varieties or genotypes. Maintaining a wide range of genetic diversity in crop plants is crucial for the development of new varieties with improved yield, nutritional content, and resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors.

Improved Yield and Nutritional Quality

Genetic diversity enables plant breeders to create new crop varieties with higher yields and better nutritional quality. By introducing genes from diverse sources, breeders can develop plants that have improved growth and development characteristics, allowing for increased crop production. Moreover, genetic diversity can contribute to enhancing the nutritional content of crop plants, making them more beneficial for human consumption.

Resistance to Diseases, Pests, and Stressors

Genetic diversity is essential for developing crops that are resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. The presence of various genes within a population enables plant breeders to select and incorporate resistance genes from different sources, significantly reducing the risk of crop loss due to these factors. This resistance can come in various forms, such as inbuilt defense mechanisms to combat diseases or improved tolerance to environmental stressors such as drought, flooding, or extreme temperatures.

Region-specific Adaptation

Different regions around the world have unique environments, soil types, climates, and stressors that impact crop growth and production. Genetic diversity allows plant breeders to develop crop varieties that are better suited to specific regions, ensuring that crops can thrive under different growing conditions. By doing so, breeders can maximize the success of agricultural production worldwide, contributing to global food security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, genetic diversity of crops is essential for plant breeders during the Green Revolution to develop improved crop varieties with high yields, better nutritional quality, and resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. Additionally, it allows for the development of region-specific crop varieties, ensuring the success of agriculture in diverse environments and contributing to global food security. The importance of genetic diversity in crop plants cannot be underestimated and must be preserved for future generations.

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Explain the importance of genetic diversity of crops to the plant breeders of the Green Revolution.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction

Genetic Diversity: Overview

Improved Yield and Nutritional Quality

Resistance to Diseases, Pests, and Stressors

Region-specific Adaptation

Conclusion

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