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.