ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 4568
Poster No. = 2279


INDUCED MUTATIONS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN CROP IMPROVEMENT


S.Mohan Jain, University of Helsinki, Plant Production Department, Helsinki, Finland


Human population growth, environmental degradation, no further scope of arable land expansion, deforestation, water shortages etc., are causes of concern to plant breeders for sustainable crop production. Agricultural scientists won't be able to wait before genetic engineering can produce goods and acceptance of gene food by the consumers all over the world. Induced mutations (physical and chemical mutagens) and biotechnology need more emphasis in agriculture, even though induced mutations have been effectively used in developing new plant cultivars (Jain et al, 1998). Induced mutations could be genetically more stable due to direct changes at the DNA level when compared with transgenes. Basically, there is not much difference in induced mutations and genetic transformation because both are random processes. Under selective pressure, new mutants could be isolated and evaluated for useful traits. We will review our work on induced mutations by tissue culture, physical and chemical mutagens in ornamentals, Brassica, potato, strawberry, and other fruits.


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