Induced Mutations and Crop Improvement

Abstract

Genetic variation is the mainstay which plant breeders require to produce new and improved cultivars. The opportunity of obtaining novel traits exists through induction of mutations. Induced mutations have played a significant role in meeting challenges related to world food and nutritional security by way of mutant germplasm enhancement and their utilisation for the development of new mutant varieties. A wide range of genetic variability has been induced by physical and chemical mutagens. In the past several decades, induced mutations have contributed immensely to the development of improved varieties in several crop plants. Cellular and molecular biology tools have led to enhanced efficiency of induction, detection and deployment of mutations. Till date, 3,218 mutant varieties have been released worldwide. More than 60 % of officially released mutant varieties are from Asia with China, India and Japan topping the list. The mutant varieties developed and released in major crops have been cultivated by farmers in large areas and have resulted in increased food production, thus contributing to food security. In this chapter, various aspects of mutation induction, applications and examples of successful use of induced mutants in crop improvement programmes are presented.