江苏第三届学府杯科技翻译竞赛原文.DOCVIP

江苏省第三届“学府杯”科技翻译竞赛原文 1.（英译汉原文） The application of the science of genetics to plant breeding occupies a strategic place in the enhancement (increase) of crop productivity. Upon its success depends the effectiveness of many other efforts to provide adequate food supplies for direct consumption by man, feed for his animals and agricultural raw materials for his industries. Bringing more water to the land, improving the soil, providing plant nutrients, teaching the farmer better cultural practices, giving him more efficient tools, etc., cannot yield maximum results unless the plants under cultivation are able to respond fully to the improved environment and practices. The application of the principles of plant genetics and of the technical methods used in plant breeding to the needs of the developing countries starts off with the advantages of there being adequate labour and, usually, land at the disposal of the breeder. Lack of equipment may not be serious (i.e. a detrimental factor)—many of the major advances in plant breeding have been made in the field, including the basic work of Mendel. Plant breeders’ main aims are the same throughout the world. Apart from evolving varieties with higher yield potentials, the usual main objectives are greater cultural reliability, greater resistance to diseases and pests, accommodation (adaptation) to the special requirements of different types of cultural practices, and improvement of quality, both nutritional and industrial. Most of the scientific methods developed are equally applicable everywhere. In fact, plant breeding work is already in progress in most developing countries, and has been started in some instances by local workers on their own initiative, or with the assistance of international bodies such as FAO. When starting breeding work to improve crop production, particularly of food crops, developing countries should follow simple and inexpensive methods which, in the great majority of cases, are economic and efficien