Showing papers on "Mutation breeding published in 2014"

Mutagenic effects of carbon-ion irradiation on dry Arabidopsis thaliana seeds.

Abstract: To investigate the mutagenic effects of carbon ions on Arabidopsis thaliana (ecotype Columbia) and to isolate useful genes in plant development, dry seeds were exposed to 43 MeV/u carbon ions at doses of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 Gy. The survival rate, primary root length, and hypocotyl length of M1 plants were analyzed, and 200 Gy was selected as the dose for the large-scale experiment. A total of 1363 lines of plants from 28,062 M2 populations displayed alterations in the leaf, stem, flower, or life cycle, with abnormal leaves and a premature life cycle as the main phenotypic variations. The mutated gene loci of five stable and inheritable mutations were roughly mapped on chromosomes. Novel mutants were obtained, although some of the mutants were similar to mutants induced by ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS) according to previous studies. This study provides a large body of specific information describing A. thaliana mutation phenotypes that were induced by carbon-ion irradiation. These results suggest that carbon-ion beams are as useful and effective as other mutagens for mutant breeding in plants, and that they will allow mutant breeding that is more diversified.

Mutation Breeding: A Novel Technique for Genetic Improvement of Pulse Crops Particularly Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract: Breeding of pulses, especially chickpea, by exploiting genetic diversity using conventional methods has been practiced in the past. Nevertheless, these methods at present are inadequate for making any significant breakthrough to handle the world’s ever-increasing food demand. In this bizarre scenario, induced mutations have emerged as big relief, and are largely exploited for developing improved high-yielding crop varieties and for discovering desired genes that control important agronomical traits. Gene mutation, leading to the quality advancement of well-adapted existing varieties, has been the pedestal for germplasm improvement. Pulses are more prone to biotic and abiotic stresses as compared to cereals. As a result, there is a serious need to develop such varieties having high resistance to the above-mentioned stresses. During the past eight and a half decades, around 3,139 improved crop varieties have been released globally derived either as direct mutants or from their progenies (http://mvgs.iaea.org). Vast numbers of these varieties like cereals, pulses , oil crops, root and tuber crops and ornamentals have been released in developing countries for cultivation, including India, resulting in massive economic impact. Lately, mutagenesis has received an immense impel for its use in a newfangled promising technique known as targeting induced local lesions in genomes. With the unfolding of novel biological fields such as genomics, functional genomics, bioinformatics and the emergence of other technologies based on these sciences, there has been an increased surge in induced mutations within the scientific community. The knowledge of functional and basic genetics of model legume crops will benefit chickpea breeders to comprehend that marker-assisted selection has great potential to develop biotic and abiotic stress -resistant varieties. The basic understanding of genes, which direct major agronomical traits, is essential for plant breeders to frame apposite approaches and execute them in breeding programmes for promising results. In this era, with growing human population, hunger ghosts are haunting millions of people all around. Under these circumstances, the salvaging step lies in tailoring better crop varieties embedded with superior proteins, minerals and high yield. Mutagenic agents, physical as well as chemical, are used to induce mutations and generate variations from which desired mutants may be selected. However, basic information vis-a-vis effectiveness of various mutagens and their possible role in generating polygenic variability is meagre among pulses in general and chickpea in particular. Hence, the present review condenses various facets of contemporary knowledge for pulse crop varietal improvement, particularly chickpea, through induced mutagenesis with special thrust on qualitative as well as yield-attributing traits.

Comparative Study for Effects of Chemical Mutagenesis on Seed Germination, Survivability and Pollen Sterility in M1 and M2 Generations of Dianthus

Abstract: Chemical mutagenesis is an efficient tool used in mutation breeding programme for improving various vital characteristics in floricultural crop, like Dianthus. In this study, ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), sodium azide (SA) and colchicine (COL) with three different concentrations (0.1%, 0.4% and 0.7%) were used to analyse their effect on seed germination behaviour, survivability and pollen sterility in both first (M1) and second (M2) mutant generations. It was noted that increase in the dose of EMS and SA, germination percentage and survivability were decreased; whereas colchicine doses were proportional to increase germination percentage at seedling stage, but they were not survived till maturity. In M1 and M2, higher lethality over control (44.3 and 32.89, respectively) was shown by 0.7% of SA and EMS, respectively. Pollen sterility was also increased with increasing mutagenic doses. The maximum pollen sterility was 71.8% and 61.1% for 0.7% COL in M1 and M2, respectively. So, the effect of chemical mutagenesis on biological parameters with SA (0.7%) treatment in M1 and EMS (0.7%) treatment in M2 were much more beneficial as compared to colchicine. For each studied parameter, chemical mutagenesis was higher in M1 than M2. Hence, for the first time in Dianthus, we reported that these mutagens can be used for improving the germination behaviour and the metrical traits in Dianthus cultivar.

Identification Of High Seed Yielding And Stable Fenugreek Mutants

Abstract: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) was recently introduced to western Canada as a forage crop. To reach its full potential, high yielding, early maturing fenugreek cultivars that produce good seed yield and quality within 100 frost free days need to be developed. In this study, mutation breeding approach was used on five locally adapted fenugreek genotypes to generate variants showing improved seed yield and yield attributing traits that can be used for cultivar development. Mutant generations of these plants were evaluated in multi-location, multi-year trials, and individual plants were selected for high seed and biomass yield. Seeds from a tetraploid fenugreek line and its diploid parent Tristar were grown under multiple environments to understand effect of environment on seed oil content. In addition, mold resistant fenugreek genotypes were identified by screening a collection of fenugreek accessions against a destructive fungal pathogen Cercospora traversiana.

Improvement of soybean through radiation-induced mutation breeding techniques in Korea

Abstract: Mutation breeding techniques have been used to induce new genetic variations and improve agronomic traits in soybean. In Korea, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has unique radiation facilities to induce plant mutations and has been conducting soybean mutation breeding programmes since the mid-1960s. Until now, the KAERI has developed five soybean mutant cultivars exhibiting early maturity, high yield and seed-coat colour change. In this paper, we review these five mutant cultivars in terms of how to successfully induce unique agronomic characteristics through mutation breeding programmes. A number of induced mutants exhibiting null lipoxygenase enzymes, altered protein patterns or Kunitz trypsin inhibitor activity could serve as genetic resources for the genetic analysis of target genes, and one mutant population has been developed for a reverse genetic study.

Frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutations in greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek].

Abstract: Greengram [ Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek], popularly known as mungbean, is third most important pulse crop of India. Mungbean is a cheap source of dietary protein for the poor, with high levels of folate and iron compared with many other legumes. Variability is low available in mungbean and hence, to replace conventional breeding, mutation breeding has gained its momentum. Induced mutagenesis thus seems to be an ideal methodology for the induction of desirable genetic variability. Chlorophyll mutations, an important index in the estimation of induced genetic changes in mutagen treated population are most widely employed for assessing the potentialities of mutagens in creating genetic variability. An investigation was carried out in two mungbean genotypes CO (Gg) 7 and NM 65 treated by two mutagens viz ., gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate. A wide range of chlorophyll mutations was observed and scored in M 2 generation. The highest frequency rate was noted at 300 Gray and 10 mM on M 1 plant basis and M 2 seedling basis in both the genotypes. The mutant chlorina and xantha occurred in all the treatments of gamma rays and EMS at higher proportions.

Induction of mutants in durum wheat (triticum durum desf cv. samra) using gamma irradiation

Abstract: A mutation breeding program was initiated in 2008 emphasizing the main constraints for sustainable production of durum wheat in Saudi Arabia. The aim of the program was to develop moderate or high yielding semi-dwarf/lodging tolerant, early maturing mutants with drought and disease tolerance from a local durum wheat cultivar (Triticum durum Desf. cv. Samra) which has the main defects of longer crop duration, lodging habit and low grain yield. Dry seeds of Samra were subjected to 150 and 200Gy doses of gamma irradiation and each treatment consisted of 2500 seeds. Irradiated seeds were grown as M1 population along with parental variety as control at Almuzahmiah Research Station of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Decrease in germination (%) and survival rate (%) of plants was observed. A wide variation in days to flowering and plant height was found in the M1 populations. Three seeds from each spike per plant of M1 plants were collected, bulked dose wise and grown separately as M2 in 2009 growing season. From these M2, 17 desirable putative mutant plants which varied significantly with the mother were visually selected. These putative mutants were found to be semi-dwarf and early maturing in nature with other improved agronomic traits including lodging reaction and grain yield. The selected plants, when grown in progeny lines as M3 in 2010, more or less maintained their superiority over the mother for many traits. Most of the mutant lines showed homogeneity for most of characters studied. Eleven of these 17 lines were found to be promising in respect of days to flower, plant height (for semi-dwarf) and other traits including grain yield.

Integration of Mutation and Conventional Breeding Approaches to Develop New Superior Drought-tolerant Plants in Rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract: Present study was carried out to investigate the possibility of developing new superior drought-tolerant plants in rice by mutation breeding. Major regions of rice cultivation especially in Iran and Asia are affected continuously by drought stress especially at the end of flowering stage. To identify resistant plants, water stress was imposed on mutant rice plants in the field in flowering stage. In total, 23 tolerant mutant plants under drought stress were obtained after three generations of selection on mutants. Only 17 M4 lines had high yield and were selected as resistant. Also, morphological parameter evaluations of 29 mutant lines grown under natural conditions indicated that 14 lines were early flowering by 7 days or more and the height of 8 mutant lines had been decreased by 30 cm or more than control. Also, 11 lines had yields of more than 5000 Kg/ hectare. On obtained results of phenotypic evaluations of mutant plants under drought stress and normal conditions, 11 lines were selected for descent test and yield experiments in several regions and years. Original Research Article Annual Research & Review in Biology, 4(7): 1173-1186, 2014 1174

Novel kelp heavy ion radiation mutation breeding method

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel kelp heavy ion radiation mutation breeding method. The novel kelp heavy ion radiation mutation breeding method comprises the following steps: dispersing and filtering a kelp gametophyte cloning cell system to each gametophyte cell segment composed of 1-3 gametophyte cells; radiating by using 12C heavy ions; breeding a sporophore by using a kelp gametophyte cloning breeding technology; after the sporophore is ripen, carrying out phenotype and quality character determination; carrying out DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) variation detection on candidate plants with a large forward direction variation range; obviously improving phenotype and quality characters and taking the plants with obviously-varied DNA structures as breeding materials for breeding new varieties. The novel kelp heavy ion radiation mutation breeding method has the advantages that a lot of variation can be generated by radiating and inducing kelp gametophytes by the heavy ions; the variant plants can be obtained in shorter time and a new gene pool related with the good property is preserved.

Chapter 6 - Novel trends and achievements in breeding of tropical ornamental crops especially orchids and anthuriums: the mutation breeding approach

Abstract: Mutagenesis is an important breeding method in ornamentals. It is employed to create new colours and shapes, improve plant architecture, increase shelf life, impart pest and disease resistance, produce novelties and oddities or to create variations to assist further breeding programmes. Research in mutation breeding focuses on selection of suitable materials, methods of exposure to mutagens, effective dose and sensitivity, detection and isolation of mutants. Both physical and chemical agents are used for induced mutagenesis. Mutation breeding combined with in vitro propagation methods is an excellent tool for breeding of several ornamentals. Mutagenesis is widely used in vegetatively propagated plants which require alternative strategies for generating and utilizing genetic variations due to lack of hybridization. The methods of mutation induction and analyses of mutants have witnessed great changes in recent years. Newer methods are employed for mutation induction and molecular approaches helps to identify the exact genetic change at the nucleotide level which in deed leads to the early detection and selection of desirable mutants. It saves valuable time in the creation of new varieties. Among the tropical ornamentals, mutation breeding was attempted mainly in orchids, red ginger, torch ginger and Anthurium, all of which are propagated vegetatively. Combining transgenic techniques with induced mutagenesis will greatly facilitate crop improvement in ornamentals.

Chapter 8 - Chemical mutagenesis, mutation breeding and quantitative genetic analyses of maize mutants: from theory to practice

Abstract: Large numbers of new varieties in different crops have been developed worldwide using both physical and chemical mutagens. Chemical mutagenesis techniques have been optimized as a promising tool for generating wider desirable variability than classical breeding. However, there are only few examples in the literature describing successful applications of chemical mutagenesis in maize breeding. The present chapter will attempt to fill this gap by describing the approach taken by Maize Research Institute (MRI)-Kneja, Bulgaria. A brief review of the rise, development and applications of chemical mutagenesis, and the phenomenon called ‘seeds ageing during storage’ in maize mutation breeding is a critical retrospection of 1970-1990 research on experimental mutations induction by chemical mutagens and mutation breeding, conducted in Ukraine, USSR and MRI-Kneja, Bulgaria. For the first time, a detailed description of a technology, for induction of mutant variations, affecting quantitative traits and combining ability, their fixation in homozygous state and use in maize breeding programme to develop hybrids is given. This technology is based on the phenomenon called ‘uniformly altered M 2 and M 3 families’ that are stabilized into maize inbred lines as early as in M 4 generation. The technology, known as ‘ Reciprocal Recurrent Mutation Selection’ (RRMS), combines traditional ideas of reciprocal recurrent selection with chemical mutagenesis and mutation breeding. It was developed and experimentally tested in MRI-Kneja during the period 1970-2000. Implementation of this technology is illustrated with results on breeding and quantitative genetics of maize mutant inbred lines and their test cross hybrids. Applications of Heyman, Griffing and Savchenko methods for assessment of general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA respectively) are demonstrated using data from mutant inbreds and test-cross hybrids trials. The success of the RRMS technology is further demonstrated by the descriptions of a number of mutant maize hybrids listed in the Bulgarian State Variety List including the first maize mutant hybrid that combines high grain yield with high grain protein content, registered by the official state variety testing authority back in 1980.

Breeding method for inducing breeding objective plant variation through plant

Abstract: The invention discloses a breeding method for inducing breeding objective plant variation through a plant. The breeding method includes the following steps that (1) an inducing plant seedling is cultivated, and a bud point or a joint point of the inducing plant seedling is taken as an implantation incision point; (2) a breeding objective plant seedling is selected for standby application; (3) an incision is made at the implantation incision point; (4) the breeding objective plant seedling is implanted in the incision; (5) a breeding objective plant and an inducing plant are fixed, and wet soil covers the breeding objective plant and the inducing plant and is compacted; (6) the plants are maintained in an overshadowed mode and watered every day; (7) after 45 days-60 days, the portions, 5 cm-10 cm away from the incision, on the two sides of the inducing plant are shorn off, and the shorn section of the stem of the inducing plant together with the breeding objective plant and soil around the incision are transplanted to obtain the variant breeding objective plant. The breeding method can achieve mutation breeding between same affinity plants, close affinity plants and far affinity plates, is suitable for most plants, and has the advantages of being high in breeding success rate and induced mutation probability, good in induced mutation combination property, diversified in mutation property, stable, rapid and the like.

Comparative Study of Contemporary Mutagenic Effect on Lavender Irradiated by ~(12)C~(6+) Ions and Electron Beams

Abstract: To determine the optimal mutagenic parameters to Lavendula,the biological effects on the development of dry seeds of two Lavendula varieties(701 and 702) were comparatively studied between 100 MeV~(12)C~(6+) ion and 1.2MeV electron beam.The results showed that the germination percentage of 701 and 702increased firstly and then decreased with the dose increased by using carbon ion irradiation.However,the germination percentage of 701 and 702 decreased with the increment of radiation dosage after being irradiated by electron beam.Furthermore,the results also showed that the germination percentage of Lavendula irradiated by electron beam was lower than that of carbon ion irradiation.In addition,the length of hypocotyl,embryonic root and fresh weight of seedlings of 701 and 702 irradiated by carbon ions were superior to those of electron beam irradiation.In brief,carbon ions are more suitable for the mutation breeding of Lavendula compared to electron beams,which would contribute to obtain more novel mutants in the future.

Novel wheat mutation breeding method

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel wheat mutation breeding method. The method comprises the steps as follows: choosing wheat varieties with excellent comprehensive characters and large high-yield potential as processing parents, airing seeds for 2 days before sowing for 4 days, putting the seeds in a seed magnetizer with the magnetic field strength of 200 mT for magnetizing for 48 hours to obtain M0-generation seeds, planting the M0-generation seeds to obtain M1-generation and M2-generation character mutant single plants, planting with single plant as a unit, implementing selfing purification for 2 times to obtain an M4 generation, implementing directive breeding to obtain an M5-gneration mutant single plant, and harvesting and threshing with single plant as a unit; cultivating to obtain an M6-generation mutant system, then obtaining an M6 generation, identifying the character stability of the plant system, and mixing and harvesting the plant system with excellent economical characters to obtain novel character mutant wheat seeds. The method can induce the plurality of characters of the wheat to mutate; the mutant direction and property are relatively stable; the chosen characters are more variable than wild types. Compared with other inducing methods, the novel wheat mutation breeding method has the advantages of low price and no pollution and no damage to human and environment.

Химический мутагенез и создание исходного материала в селекции хлопчатника

Abstract: In the Republic of Azerbaijan, we have obtained 626 positive mutant lines of cotton by chemical mutagenesis. Though the mutant lines surpassed the initial variety in certain characters, they yielded to it in other characters and could not be used as straight ancestors of new varieties because of missing full complex of characters, determining a modern variety type. A possibility to improve induced mutants by involving them in different types of crossbreeding has been studied. The induced mutants have been included in hybridization both with initial varieties and between themselves. The use of induced mutants, carrying some changed characters at a time in different crossbreeding combinations, has shown high efficiency of this method, which quickens the breeding process and improves the result of mutation breeding due to the expanded spectra of variations, the increased number of forms combining 5-7 valuable characters, as well as due to the appearance of plants with 8 economic characters and enhanced expression of valuable mutant characters in different recombinants. The analysis of hybrid generations shows that, as to such characters as cotton productivity and technological quality of fiber, it is expedient to use inter-mutant crossings, using mutants with significant advantages of one or another character over the standard variety.

Chapter 15 - Mutation breeding and mutants of ornamental plants: the role of NBRI for economic gains

Abstract: Mutation breeding has emerged as major and practical tool of plant improvement for decades and has revolutionized the concept of plant breeding. Mutation breeding has been primarily used for the improvement of cereals, pulses and other food crops. The introduction of this technique in improving the ornamental crops has raised a hope of its application in the industrial and business sector. In the present chapter, newly released ornamental plants with emphasis on mutant varieties, developed at the National Botanical Research Institute Lucknow, India and which have contributed to the economic growth of the country, are being discussed. Recommendations have been made for wider application of mutant breeding in ornamental plants.

Chapter 10 - Selection for polygenic variability in early mutant generations of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

Abstract: Induced mutagenesis, used mainly to broaden the genetic variation, forms the core of mutation breeding research. The present study aimed at enhancing the genetic variability for various quantitative and qualitative traits of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) through induced chemical mutagenesis for achieving desired plant characteristics. Various types of abnormalities in cotyledonary and vegetative leaves were recorded in M 2 population following mutagenesis with ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS) and sodium azide (SA). Compared to the control (parent variety), the frequency of cotyledonary and leaf abnormalities was larger in EMS treatments. The extent of genetic variability for plant height, days to flowering, days to maturity, fertile branches per plant, pods per plant, 100-seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) were evaluated in M 2 and M 3 generations. Plant height showed a significant reduction in the populations treated with SA, whereas the mean days to flowering and maturity reduced significantly in EMS treatments in both M 2 and M 3 generations. For plant height, days to flowering and maturity, higher genetic variability was recorded in M 2 generation as compared to M 3 , indicating that potential gain could be achieved through selection in early generation. Significant increase in fertile branches per plant, pods per plant, 100-seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) was noticed among the mutants in M 3 generation. Estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield associated components were recorded to be higher in M 3 than in M 2 generation. Seed protein of the mutants showed a slight but insignificant improvement over the control in M 3 generation except at 0.04% SA, where it was marginally lower from that of the control. Seed yield per plant did not show any positive correlation with seed protein content, indicating the independent genetic control of these two traits. The concentrations of iron, manganese and zinc showed a slight increase with most of the mutagenic treatments in M 3 generation. However, compared to control, their genetic parameters were increased with all the treatments. The high yielding mutants coupled with higher protein and mineral contents could minimize the risk of nutrient deficiency among the vast majority of the global inhabitants.

Chapter 14 - Inducing and exploring new mutant donors of tomato

Abstract: To speed up the mutation breeding approach and research in tomato, inducing and identifying reliable mutant donors with the use of already known ones would play a pivotel role. The induced mutagenesis followed by breeding helps to identify the needs of the crop and to accelerate the antioxidant capacity which in turn generates different beneficial mutations. Mutant lines and accessions with diverse origin and F 1 hybrids developed with their participation were identified by molecular marker techniques, like AFLP and ISSR profiles. New mutant germplasm was induced, advanced and characterised for: (1) a late flowering mutation (isolated from the dose of 250 Gy 137 Cs gamma rays) and 6 new mutant lines advanced; (2) mutants with violet colour of the fruits, determinate habit, low fertility and male sterility induced by gamma rays (20 Gy, 60 Co source) and new mutant lines developed. Local lines with transferred Aft mutant gene increasing the anthocyanin synthesis and aw and ah mutant genes determining lack of anthocyanins were irradiated by gamma rays ( 137 Cs and 60 Co) and the synthesis of secondary substances such as β-carotene, phenols and flavonoids compared for their use in the selection of plants susceptible and tolerant to irradiation.

Chapter 21 - Use of mutant genes for exploring and altering carotenoid biosynthetic pathway of sweet pepper: the Bulgarian viewpoint

Abstract: The importance of pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) crop has been known for a long time, but with advancements in modern techniques, the economic significance for this particular crop has also increased. The progress and prospects related to mutation breeding programmes of pepper for obtaining increased biological value in genotypes and supporting advanced technologies is debated in this chapter. Special emphasis has been laid on the role of mutation with respect to (1) genetic control of the orange-red colour of the pericarp; (2) the high β-carotene of fruits; and (3) their genetic background of the biochemical reactions involved in β-carotene synthesis in the pepper plant. The orange-red colour is determined by a recessive mutant gene bc and a dominant normally functioning gene CrtZ-1. Linkage groups of the mutant gene bc were determined, which control the high β-carotene concentrations. The inheritance of the pepper pericarp colour was correlated with a high β-carotene concentration. The potential for synthesis of high β-carotene was studied in mutant sweet pepper genotypes in the commercial (green fruits) and botanical (red or orange fruits) mature stage of development of the plants. Biochemical methods for evaluating the already increased concentration of this bioactive substance in the mutant plant materials have been developed and applied. Isolation of geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate synthase, capsanthin-capsorubin synthase and β-carotene hydroxylase genes in the mutants to identify the mutation leading to the accumulation of high β-carotene concentrations has been initiated. Molecular marker techniques to assess inter simple sequence repeats, amplified fragment length polymorphisms and inter-SINE amplified polymorphism profiles have been introduced for identification of 3 mutant varieties and 9 advanced mutant lines. Complex characterization of the mutants has been carried out, including morphological and economic fruit and plant traits, biochemical data of β-carotene concentrations, as well as of 5 carotenoids, vitamin C, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and mineral elements. Out of the dozens of mutants developed and evaluated, 4(2 F 7-8 , 2 BC) lines and 7 successful F 1 hybrids are included in current breeding programmes.