Sections:

Genetic Diversity

Traits that have been selected for by humans include:

•Determinate growth habit (flowering occurs at the top of the plant, preventing further growth)

•Retention of mature seed on the plant (loss of grain shattering)

•Synchronous ripening, shorter maturity

•Lower content of bitter tasting and harmful compounds

•Reduced sprouting (higher seed dormancy)

•Improved harvest index (the proportion of the plant which is used); larger seed or fruit size

•Elimination of seeds, such as in banana

Many of these trait changes reduce the ability of the plant to compete in the wild, and also decrease the genetic variability remaining in the crop.