Methodologies for Safe Movement of Highly Perishable Plant Germplasm during International Exchange

Abstract

Occurrence of outstandingly rich diversity of wild relatives, landraces and primitive cultivars of cultivated plants in their centers of origin has led to global interdependence of countries for germplasm to sustain the present day crop improvement programs. This has led to transport of diverse plant materials, primarily primitive forms and released varieties or cultivars across international borders. This introduction and exchange of plant germplasm on a worldwide basis has led to development of well-defined procedures for import and export because unregulated germplasm exchange activity may result in introduction of weeds, insects, nematodes and pathogens exotic to the country and harmful to its agriculture.