Plant Introduction

Plant introduction consists of taking a genotype or a group of genotypes of plants into

new environments where they were not being grown before. Introduction may involve new
varieties of a crop already grown in the area, wild relatives of the crop species or a totally
new crop species. Mostly materials are introduced from other countries or continents. But
movement of crop varietie s from one environment into another within a country is also
introduction. Some examples of within the country introduction are popularization of grape
cultivation in Haryana, Introduction of wheat in West Bengal, Rice in Punjab etc.
Primary Introduction : When the introduced variety is well suited to the new environment,
it is released fro commercial cultivation without any alteration in the original genotype, this
constitutes primary introduction. Primary introduction is less common, particularly in
countries having well organized crop improvement programmes. Introduction of semi dwarf
wheat varieties Sonora 64, Lerma Roja and of semi dwarf rice varieties Taichung Native 1
(TN-1), IR-8 and IR-36 are some examples of primary introductions.
Secondary Introduction: The introduced variety may be subjected to selection to isolate a
superior variety. Alternatively, it may be hybridized with local varieties to transfer one or few
characters from this variety to the local ones these processes are known as secondary
introduction. Secondary introduction is much more common than primary introduction.
Examples of secondary introduction are Kalyan Sona and sonalika wheat varieties selected
from material introduced from CIMMYT, Mexico.
History of Plant Introduction : crop plants have traveled ino many new areas from their
centres of origin. This movement of plants occurred with the movement of man. Most of
these introductions occurred very early in the histoy. For example, mung mustard, pear, apple
and walnut were introduced from the Central Asian Center of origin into various parts of
India. Similarly sesame, Jowar, arhar, Asian Cotton and finger millet originated in Africa and
traveled to India in the prehistoric period. From this it is clear that plant wealth of various
nations is to a large extent the result of plant introductions.
For several centuries A.D. the agencies of plant Introduction wre invaders, settlers,
traders, travelles, explorers and naturalists. The plant introduction were made either
knowingly or unknowingly. Muslim invaders introduced in India cherries and grapes from
Afghanistan by 1300 A.S. In the 16th century A.D. Portugues introduced Maize, groundnut,
chillies, potato, sweet potato, guava pineapple, papaya, cashewnut and Tobacco. East India
Company brought tea, litchi, and loquat from China. Cabbage, cauliflower and other
vegetables from the Mediterranean; annatto and mahogany from West Indies in the last
quarter of 18th century.
During 19th century, a number of botanic gardens played an important role in plant
introduction. The Calcutta botanic gardens was established in 1781. the Kew botanic gardens,
England arranged introduction of quinine and rubber trees from South America into India.
During and after the last part of 19th century various agricultural and horticulture research
stations were established in the country. These stations introduced horticulture and
agriculture plants independent of each other. There was no co-ordination among these
agencies regarding their introduction activities.
Plant Introduction Agencies in India
A centralized plant introduction agency was initiated in 1946 at the Indian
Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. The agency began as a plant introduction
scheme in the Division of Botany and was funded by ICAR. In 1956, during the second five
year plan, the scheme was expanded as the Plant Introduction and Exploration Organisation.
Subsequently in 1961, it was made an independent division in IARI, the Division of Plant
Introduction. The division was re organized as National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
(NBPGR) in 1976. the nature of activities and the functions of the bureau have remained the
same, but the scope and scale of its activities have increased considerably. The bureau is
responsible for the introduction and maintenance of germplasm of agricultural and
horticultural plants.
In addition to the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, there are some other
agencies concerned with plant introduction. Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, has a plant
introduction organization which looks after the introduction, maintenance and testing of
germplasm of forest trees. The Botanical Survey of India was established in 1890 ; it was
responsible for the introduction, testing and maintenance of plant materials of botanical and
medicinal interest. But at present, introduction and improvement of medicinal plants is being
looked after by NBPGR. The Central Research Institute for various crops, e.g., tea, coffee,
sugarcane, potato, Tobacco, rice etc., introduce, test and maintain plant materials of their
interest. But their activities are coordinated by the NBPGR, which has the ultimate
responsibility for introduction activities. Plant material may also be introduced by individual
scientists, universities and other research organizations. But all the introductions in India
must be routed through the NBPGR, New Delhi.
The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources. The bureau has it headquarters at IARI,
New Delhi. It has four substations for the testing of introduced plant materials. These
substations represent the various climatic zones of India, they are listed below.
1. Simla. It is situated in Himachal Pradesh and represents the temperate zone ;
approximately 2,300 m above sea level.
2. Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It represents the arid zone
3. Kanya Kumari, Tamil Nadu. It represents the tropical zone
4. Akola, Maharashtra. It represents the mixed climatic zone. It was recently shifted
from Amravati.
In addition, a new substation has recently been established at Shillong for collection of
germplasm from North-east India. This part of the country has a large genetic variability
for several crop species, e.g., rice, citrus, Maize etc.
The bureau functions as the central agency for the export and introduction of
germplasm of economic importance. The bureau is assisted in its activities by the various
Central Research Institutes of ICAR.
The activities of the bureau are summarized below.
1. It introduces the required germplasm from its counterparts or other agencies in other
countries.
2. It arranges explorations inside and outside the country to collect valuable germplasm.
3. It is responsible for the inspection and quarantine of all the introduced plant materials.
4. Testing, multiplication and maintenance of germplasm obtained through various
sources. This may be done by the bureau itself at one of its substations or by one of
the concerned Central Institutes of ICAR.
5. To supply, on request, germplasm to various scientists or institutions. The germplasm
may be supplied ex-stock or may by procured from outside in case it is not available
in the country.
6. Maintenance of records of plant name, variety name, propagating material, special
characteristics, source, date and other relevant information about the materials
received.
7. To supply germplasm to its counterparts or other agencies in other countries.
8. To publish its exchange and collection lists. An Introduction News Letter containing
such lists is being published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) since
1957 at irregular intervals. NBPGR has also published some lists, and is in the
process of publishing some other catalogues.
9. To set up natural gene sanctuaries of plants where genetic resources are endangered.
10. Improvement of certain plants like medicinal and aromatic plants.
Procedure of Plant Introduction
Introduction consists of the following steps : Procurement, quarantine, cataloguing,
evaluation, multiplication and distribution.
1. Procurement : Any individual or institution can introduce germplasm in India. But all the
introductions must be routed through the NBPGR, New Delhi. There are two routes for plant
introduction. In first route the individual or the institution makes a direct request to an
individual or institution abroad, who has the desired germplasm, to send it through the
NBPGR, New Delhi. In second procedure the individual or institute submits his germplasm
requirements to the NBPGR with a request for their import.
2. Quarantine : Quarantine means to keep materials in isolation to prevent the spread of
diseases etc. All the introduced plant propagules are thoroughly inspected for contamination
with weeds, diseases and insect pests. Materials that are suspected to be contaminated are
fumigated or are given other treatments to get rid of the contamination. If necessary, the
materials are grown in isolation for observation of diseases, insect pests and weeds. The
entire process is known as quarantine and the rules prescribing them are known as quarantine
rules.
3. Cataloguing : When an introduction is received, it is given an entry number. Further,
information regarding name of the species, variety, place of origin, adaptation and its various
characteristics are recorded. The plant materials are classified into three groups.
1. Exotic collections are given the prefix ‘EC’
2. Indigenous collections are designated as ‘IC’ and
3. Indigenous wild collections are marked as ‘IW’
4. Evaluation : To assess the potential of new introductions, their performance is evaluated at
different substations of the Bureau. In case of those crops for which Central Research
Institutes are functioning, e.g., rice, sugarcane, potato, Tobacco etc., the introduced materials
are evaluated and maintained by these institutes. The resistance to diseases and pests is
evaluated under environments favouring heavy attacks by them.
Acclimatization : Generally, the introduced varieties perform poorly because they are often
not adapted to the new environment. Sometimes, the performance of a variety in the new
environment improves with the number of generations grown there. The process that leads to
the adaptation of a variety to a new environment is known as acclimatization.
Acclimatization isbrought about by a faster multiplication of those genotypes (present in the
original population) that are better adapted to the new environment. Thus acclimatization is
essentially natural selection. Variability must be present in the original population for
acclimatization to occur. Therefore, land varieties are likely to get acclimatized, while
purelines are not likely to.
The extent of acclimatization is determined by (1) the mode of pollination, (2) the
range of genetic variability present in the original population, and (3) the duration of lifecycle
of the crop. Cross-pollination leads to a far greater gene recombinations than selfpollination.
As a result cross-pollination is much more helpful in acclimatisation than selfpollination.
5. Multiplication and Distribution : Promising introductions or selections from the
introductions may be increased and released as varieties after the necessary trials. most of the
introductions, however, are characterized for desirable traits and are maintained for future
use. Such materials are used in crossing programmes and are readily supplied by the bureau
on request.
PURPOSE OF PLANT INTRODUCTION
The main purpose of plant introduction is to improve the plant wealth of the country.
The chief objectives of plant introduction may be grouped as follows.
To Obtain An Entirely New Crop Plant. Plant introductions may provide an entirely new
crop species. Many of our important crops, e.g., Maize, potato, tomato, Tobacco, etc., are
introductions. Some recently introduced crops are Soybean, gobhi sarson, oil palm etc.
To Serve as New Varieties. Sometimes introductions are directly released as superior
commercial varieties. The Maxican semidwarf wheat varieties Sonora 64 and Lerma Rojo,
semidrawf rice varieties TN 1, IR-8 and IR-36 are more recent examples of this type.
To Be Used in Crop Improvement. Often the introduced material is used for hybridization
with local varieties to develop improved varieties. Pusa Ruby tomato was derived from a
cross between Meeruty and Sioux, an introduction from U.S.A.
To Save the Crop from Diseases And Pests. Sometimes a crop is introduced into a new area
to protect it from diseases and pests. Coffee was introduced in South America from Africa to
prevent losses from leaf rust. Hevea rubber, on the other hand, was brought to Malaya from
South America to protect it from a leaf disease.
For Scientific Studies. Collections of plants have been used for studies on biosystematics,
evolution and origin of plant species. N.I. Vavilov developed the concept of centres of origin
and that of homologous series in variation from the study of a vast collection of plant types.
For Aesthetic Value. Ornamentals, shrubs and lawn grasses are introduced to satisfy the
finer sensibilities of man. These plants are used for decoration and are of great value in
social life.
Varieties Selected from Introductions. Many varieties have been developed through
selection from introductions. Two varieties of wheat, Kalyan Sona and Sonalika, were
selected from introductions from CIMMYT, Mexico.
Varieties Developed through Hybridization . Introductions have contributed immensely to
the development of crop varieties through hybridization. All the semidwarf wheat varieties
are derived from crosses with Mexican semi-dwarf wheats. All but few semidwarf rice
varieties possess the dwarfing gene from Dee-geo-woo-gen through either TN1 or IR 8. Thus
almost all these semi-dwarf wheat and rice varieties have been developed from crosses
involving introductions. All the sugarcane varieties have been derived from the introduced
noble canes.
Other examples of varieties developed through hybridization with introductions are
pusa Ruby tomato obtained from a cross between Meeruti and Sioux ; Pusa Early Dwarf
Tomato derived from the cross Meeruti x Red Cloud ; Pusa Kesar carrot, Pusa Kanchan
turnip etc.
Merits of Plant Introduction
1. It provides entirely new crop plants.
2. It provides superior varieties either directly or after selection & hybridization.
3. Introduction and exploration are the only feasible means of collecting germplasm and
to protect variability from genetic erosion.
4. It is very quick & economical method of crop improvement, particularly when the
introductions are released as varieties either directly or after a simple selection.
5. Plants may be introduced in new disease free areas to protect them from damage, e.g.,
coffee and rubber.
Demerits of Plant Introduction
The disadvantages of plant introduction are associated with the introduction of weeds,
diseases and pests.