A Comprehensive Review on Application of Conventional and Mutation Approaches in Genetic Improvement of Ornamental Crops

Abstract

Effective mutagenic treatment techniques for different species are of tremendous interest due to the exciting potential of mutation breeding in ornamental plants. The present article addresses the mutagenesis treatments of numerous ornamental genera, the benefits and drawbacks of different methods, and the potential for enhancing the related protocols. There are several techniques for non-targeted mutagenesis, from chemical treatment with alkylating chemicals to dose-dependent exposure to X-rays, gamma rays, neutron or heavy ion beams. All of these have been shown to be efficient mutagens in a wide range of different species and are reasonably priced. However, due to the high cost and lack of understanding required to efficiently transform and regenerate attractive crops, genetic engineering is still generally impracticable for many ornamental breeding operations. The most widely used non-targeted mutagen currently in use is gamma radiation. Although it appears to have a lower mutagenic efficacy than chemical mutagens, it offers excellent consistency. Although chronic irradiation over a longer period of time induces less harmful mutations than the routinely employed acute irradiation protocols, changes in the radiation dose rate may boost the efficiency. Because of the high particle energy associated with these treatments, heavy ion beam irradiation may also offer extremely consistent mutation induction at greater efficiencies. Additionally, there are chances to enhance chemical mutagenesis. It is still highly beneficial to use mutation breeding, and there are plenty of chances to make the current techniques better.