Explanation:

Plant breeding is the process of manipulating plant species to develop new and improved varieties with desirable traits. It plays a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity, improving nutritional value, increasing resistance to diseases and pests, and adapting crops to different environments. However, one of the statements provided is not correct regarding plant breeding.

Statement: Plant breeding is independent of germplasm collection.
Explanation: This statement is not correct. Germplasm collection is a fundamental step in plant breeding. Germplasm refers to the genetic material of living organisms, including plants. It is the collection of genetic resources that can be used for breeding purposes. Germplasm collection involves gathering and preserving the genetic diversity of a particular plant species or related species.

Importance of Germplasm Collection in Plant Breeding:
Germplasm collection is essential for several reasons:

1. Genetic Diversity: Germplasm collection ensures the preservation of genetic diversity within a plant species. This diversity is crucial for breeding programs as it provides a wide range of genetic material to select traits from and develop new varieties.

2. Adapting to Changing Environments: Germplasm collection allows breeders to access genetic resources from different regions and environments. This diversity can be used to develop varieties that are adapted to specific conditions, such as drought tolerance or resistance to specific diseases prevalent in certain regions.

3. Resistance to Pests and Diseases: Germplasm collection provides access to plant varieties that possess natural resistance to pests and diseases. These resistant traits can be incorporated into new varieties through breeding, reducing the dependence on chemical pesticides.

4. Yield Improvement: Germplasm collection includes varieties that have high yield potential. These high-yielding traits can be transferred to other varieties through breeding, leading to increased crop productivity.

5. Nutritional Quality: Germplasm collection includes plant varieties with desirable nutritional traits, such as higher protein content or improved vitamin levels. These traits can be incorporated into new varieties, enhancing the nutritional value of crops.

In conclusion, germplasm collection is a critical component of plant breeding. It provides the genetic resources necessary for developing new and improved varieties with desirable traits, improving crop productivity, and reducing the reliance on chemical inputs like fungicides and bactericides.