Plant introduction involves transferring genotypes of crops to new areas for cultivation and can be categorized into primary and secondary introductions based on adaptation, as well as direct and indirect introductions based on establishment time. Agencies such as IBPGR and NBPGR facilitate this process through germplasm exploration, quarantine, testing, and distribution while adhering to regulations. The merits of plant introduction include crop improvement and increased genetic diversity, while demerits encompass potential ecological threats like weeds and diseases.

1. Niroj kumar Jena (05 SST/12)

2. DefinItion
“Transference of a genotype or a group
of genotype of crop plants from the
place of their cultivation in to a new
area where they were not being grown
previously”.

3. Types of Plant Introduction
 Based on adaptation
 Primary Introduction - Variety is well adopted to the new
environment, released for commercial cultivation without any
alteration in the original genotype.
 Secondary Introduction - Introduced variety may be subjected to
selection & hybridisation to isolate a superior variety.
 Based on utilization
 Direct Introduction –new variety takes no time for establishment
 Indirect Introduction –new variety takes some time for
establishment
 Exotic variety – foreign variety directly recommended for
commercial cultivation in new environment.

4. Plant Introduction Agencies
 World wide
 IBPGR/IPGRI (1974) –
 CGIAR
 In India
 NBPGR (1946)
 FRI
 BSI(1890)

5. Activities of NBPGR :-
 Introduce & supplement of required germplasm from & to.
 Exploration & collection of valuable germplasm.
 Inspection & quarantine.
 Testing, multiplication & maintenance of germplasm.
 Publishing its exchange & collection list.
 Setting up natural gene sanctuaries.

6. Sources of Plant Introduction
 Centre of diversity
 Gene bank
 Gene sanctuaries
 Seed companies
 Farmers’ field

7. Procedure of Plant Introduction
 Procurement of germplasm
 Quarantine
 Cataloguing
 Germplasm Evaluation
 Multiplication & Distribution

8. Procurement of germplasm
 As Gift from individuals / institutuions
 Purchase
 collection through exploration
 Propagules
 Restriction on export & introduction of plant
materials

9. Quarantine
 Keeping materials in isolation to prevent the spread of
diseases.
 Fumigation or other treatments (if necessary).
 According to destructive insects & pests act, 1914,
quarantine for different group of plant produce is carried
out by different agencies.
 Quarantine & fumigation centres at Sea-ports(8),
Airports(7) & at entry point of land routes(7).

10. Cataloguing
 Accession number is given to a new introduced material
 Information regarding name of species & variety, place of origin,
adaptation & its various features are also recorded.
 Cataloguing of germplasm collections is published by gene bank.
 The introduced materials are of 3 types & given a prefix-
 EC – Exotic Collection
 IC – Indigenous Collection
 IW –Indigenous Wild

11. Purpose of Plant Introduction
 Obtain an entirely new crop species (Maize, Potato, Tomato etc.)
 To serve as new varieties (Sonora-64, Lerma rojo – wheat. TN 1, IR 8 -
Rice)
 To be utilized in crop improvement
 To save the crop from disease & pest. (Coffee was introduced in
South America from Africa to prevent losses from leaf rust).
 To be used in scientific studies.
 To be used for aesthetic value.

12. Important Achievements
 Crops are cultivated extensively after their
introduction as new crop species.
 Introductions have been directly released as variety.
 Varieties selected from introduction
 Introduction helps to develop varieties through
hybridization.

13. Merits of Plant Introduction
 Entirely new crop plant is derived.
 Quick & economical method of crop improvement.
 Genetic base can be broadened by plant introduction.
 Protection of crops from damage by introducing them in to
disease free areas.
 Development of superior varieties through selection &
hybridization by using introductions.

14. Demerits of Plant Introduction
 Introduction of weeds along with introduced
materials.
 Introduction of diseases along with introduced
materials.
 Introduction of insect pest along with introduced
materials.
 Some plants introduced as ornamental species became
noxious weeds.
 Some introduced plants are threat to the ecological
balance.