Chapters authored
Mutagenesis Application in Plant Improvement: Advancements and Its Future
Agricultural plant genetic resources are constantly going into extinction having negative implications for plant genetic banks. Hence, there is a need to generate variations. Stimulated mutagenesis offers an efficient tool to generate genetic variation and explore the function of genes. It also facilitates the identification of genes and their roles in traits of economic interest to breeders, farmers and consumers. Thus, transforming the agro-based industries in overcoming obstacles (poor yield, lodging, shattering, pests and disease infestations). Exploring alternatives to integrate farmers’ and consumers’ desirable traits into their preferred cultivars has led to major advancements in mutation breeding. The chapter provides a comprehensive update on induced mutagenesis approaches, increasing efficiency of targeted mutagenesis and identification of novel traits in mutated populations. Furthermore, it reveals the efforts of ten countries that are leading the development of varieties via mutation across the globe and the most prioritised crops that have received critical attention in mutation breeding. Moreover, it seeks to bring to light the current approaches used in facilitating mutation breeding. It details the current progress made in improving plants with evidence relating to generating genetic resources, biotic and abiotic stresses, nutritional, and quality improvement whiles providing future directions for mutation breeding.
Part of the book: Genetically Modified Organisms [Working title]