Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators: Crop Genetic Resources
Kelly Day-Rubenstein and Paul Heisey
No. (AH722) ,
April 2001
In addition to wildlife, biological resources include the genetic resources used to produce agricultural crops. The relationship between agricultural production and biological resources is two directional. While agricultural production may affect wild biological resources, it also depends on crop and livestock genetic resources, some of which are found in the wild. Crop genetic resources are used by breeders to develop new and improved varieties for farmers. This process of genetic enhancement has produced substantial economic benefits. A strong genetic resource base is important for several reasons, among them the fact that a lack of genetic diversity in farmers' fields, if severe, may increase the risk of pest or disease epidemics. Genetic resources are constantly required as inputs into the continuing process of enhancement through selective breeding (including genetic engineering). Therefore, conservation of crop genetic resources is needed, given their critical role in agricultural production.
Keywords: genetic resources, biodiversity, germplasm, biological resources, gene bank, ERS, USDA
In this series ... Reports are
in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
Chapter 3.2: Crop Genetic Resources, 155 kb.
Contents
- Agriculture's Dependence on Genetic Resources
- Economic Values of Genetic Resources
- Measurement of the Benefits of Genetic Resources for Agricultural Production
- Benefits from Genetic Improvements
- Genetic Diversity
- Genetic Resource Conservation
- In Situ: Benefits and Costs
- Ex Situ: Benefits and Costs
- International Access to Genetic Resources
- Using Public Policy to Enhance Biological Resources
- Overall Policy Objectives
- Policies to Protect Genetic Resources
- U.S. Policies Addressing Internationally Held Genetic Resources
- References
See other chapters in the Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators series.
Updated date: April 19, 2001
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