Mutation Breeding in Horticultural Plant Species

Abstract

In the face of rapid population growth worldwide, humanity's need for plant and animal products is increasing. In this regard, the organizations in charge of production make production and consumption forecasts for the future and try to accelerate the work aimed at increasing production. There are various ways of increasing production. The first of these is the improvement of cultivation techniques, the expansion of irrigated agricultural areas, and the effective control of diseases and pests. The second is to find and produce high-yielding new varieties with appropriate breeding methods. Mutations can be used directly and indirectly in plant breeding. The use of mutations in direct plant breeding gains importance when improving one or two characteristics of a variety with good adaptability is desired. The present study discusses the importance, advantages, and disadvantages of mutation breeding in horticultural plants. It evaluates future mutation breeding and new biotechnological approaches.