Mutation, a heritable alteration in genetic material, dramas a crucial part in generating genetic variability indispensable for evolution and crop enhancement. This chapter sightsees the principles, techniques and significance of mutation breeding in agriculture, accenting its importance in addressing worldwide food security challenges. Mutation breeding, involving the thoughtful induction of mutations through physical, chemical or biological mutagens, is a keystone of modern crop improvement programmes. It enables an advancement of superior plant cultivars with amended traits, including higher yield, disease resistance and stress tolerance. The chapter dashes the history of mutation breeding, highlighting landmark discoveries and the evolution of techniques, from early physical mutagens viz., X-rays and gamma rays to advanced molecular tools for instance CRISPR-Cas9. The distinction between spontaneous and induced mutations is expounded, along with the mechanisms and applications of site-directed and insertion mutagenesis. It includes the comparative benefits of chemical, physical and biological mutagens, their respective mechanisms of action and advancements in molecular genetics that have revolutionized mutation breeding. Achievements of mutation breeding are underscored by the successful development of over 2,000 mutant crop varieties worldwide, contributing significantly to agricultural productivity and sustainability. Mutation breeding's role in generating climate-resilient crops, improving nutritional quality and addressing environmental challenges is also explored. As a cost-effective and efficient tool, mutation breeding remains integral to the creation of innovative crop cultivars and the pursuit of international food security. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the future potential of integrating mutation breeding with cutting-edge genomic technologies to address emerging agricultural challenges.
Induced mutagenesis, Mutation breeding, Mutagenic agents, Mutation, Crop improvement
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