The diversity and availability of alleles in both natural and artificially maintained stocks of organisms. For a number of years concern has been expressed about the need to maintain a diverse range of genotypes in domesticated plants and animals and their close relatives in the wild. A broad genetic base increases the capacity for variation and successful adaptation, such as resistance to pathogens or hostile environments. Both national and international programmes exist to maintain genetic resources of agriculturally important organisms. This had led to the establishment of a number of * gene banks or seed banks where potentially valuable seeds are evaluated, multiplied, and stored under ideal conditions. See also genetic erosion. |
