In vitro mutagenesis and selection in plant tissue cultures and their prospects for crop improvement. (Special Issue: Induced mutagenesis in crop plants.)

摘要

Mutation induction has become a powerful tool for developing new and novel plant germplasm. Methods such as gammaray irradiation, ion beams and chemical mutagens have been applied to induce mutations. Since availability of a large number of mutagenized populations for screening and methods of selection are still a hindrance with conventional mutagenesis, in vitro mutagenesis of cultured explants, cells and tissue cultures represent a feasible method for induction of genetic variability. Selection at the cellular level has been practised for desirable traits and success has been achieved in several crop plants. This article outlines the different aspects of in vitro mutagenesis and selection for varied applications in crop improvement.