Ques. 1AIPMT 2001
Which statement is correct about centre of origin of plant ?
- Climatic condition more favourable
- More diversity in improved variety
- None
- Frequency of dominant gene is more
Answer
(2) More diversity in improved variety
Solution
The centre of origin of a crop plant (Vavilov) is the region where the crop was first domesticated.
⇒ Such a region shows the maximum genetic diversity of the crop: a very large number of cultivated varieties and their wild relatives.
∵ Plant breeding begins with the collection of this variability (germplasm collection), breeders look for useful genes and improved varieties in the centre of origin.
Climate is not necessarily more favourable there, so option (1) is not the defining feature.
∴ The centre of origin shows more diversity in (improved) varieties.
Answer: (2)