ISSN : 2663-2187

Mutation Breeding in Fruit Crops: Harnessing Genetic Diversity for Enhanced Varietal Traits

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1Wagh. A. M., 1*Vishal Johar, 2Vinita Bisht, 1Manisha Singh, 1Puja Maity and 3Salim Khan
ยป doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.5.2024. 2709-2729

Abstract

The mutation is characterized by rapid heritable changes in DNA, as opposed to genetic segregation or recombination, and occurs at a very low frequency, around one in 100,000. In fruit crops, spontaneous bud mutations, known as bud sports, are widespread, particularly in citrus, mango, and grapes, sparking interest in induced mutant breeding. Mutations, which introduce variety, drive the evolution of new forms, varieties, or species, potentially resulting in chromosomal deletions, inversions, translocations, and nucleotide base substitutions. Mutations are artificially induced by physical and chemical mutagens such as Gamma Rays, X-Rays, and EMS (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate). Conventional breeding has limits in developing fruit harvests due to their perennial nature, protracted juvenile period, and heterozygosity. Induced mutation breeding becomes an effective approach for overcoming these obstacles and increasing genetic diversity. Traditional techniques encounter difficulties such as prolonged heterozygosity, abundant fruit, incompatibility, drop, polyploidy, apomixis, and juvenile phase. Using genetic variety, whether natural or manufactured, is critical for progressing fruit tree genetics. Mutational breeding is effective for generating horticultural varieties by adding desirable features using physical and chemical mutagens. Successful results include alterations in blooming time, fruit ripening, colour changes, dwarfism induction, self-compatibility, seed lessness, self-thinning, and disease resistance. Mutation breeding produces benefits such as enhanced variety, ploidy level induction in fertility restoration and adapted species, sterile hybrids, better taste and aroma, and greater fruit size.

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