Science. 1983 Apr 8;220(4593):163-9. doi: 10.1126/science.220.4593.163.
Loss of the genetic diversity of some of the world's crops has accelerated in recent decades, with many crops becoming increasingly susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. A global network of gene banks has therefore been established to provide plant breeders with the genetic resources necessary for developing more resistant crops that will enable farmers to maintain high yields. Most of these gene banks now store the germplasm of only the major crops such as cereals, potatoes, and grain legumes. Cultivated varieties of these crops are conserved as well as wild species that might otherwise become extinct. Tropical cash crops such as bananas and coconuts are also important food crops in many Third World countries, and more effort needs to be made to conserve the germplasm of these crops as well as of other important plants such as plantation crops, medicinal herbs, and fruit and timber trees.
近几十年来，世界上一些作物的遗传多样性加速丧失，许多作物对疾病、虫害和环境压力越来越敏感。因此，建立了一个全球基因库网络，为植物育种者提供开发更具抗性的作物所需的遗传资源，使农民能够保持高产量。这些基因库中的大多数现在只储存主要作物（如谷物、土豆和豆类）的种质。这些作物的栽培品种以及可能灭绝的野生品种都得到了保存。香蕉和椰子等热带经济作物也是许多第三世界国家的重要粮食作物，需要更加努力地保护这些作物以及其他重要植物（如种植园作物、草药、水果和木材树）的种质。
