Genetic erosion

• The gradual loss of variability from cultivated species, and their wild forms and wild relatives is called genetic erosion.
• The main causes of genetic erosion are as follows:

a) Replacement of genetically variable landraces by the improved one.

b) Improved crop management practices eliminating the weedy forms of many crops.

c) Increasing human needs leading to extinction of many wild relatives of crops.

d) Developmental activities leading to disturbance in wild habitat.

e) Intentional or accidental introduction of weedy or invasive species.