ABSTRACT
In recent years, alacrity has rekindled in mutation research, as induced mutagenesis is considered as the tool for mining of new genes/alleles for the production of new varieties. It also studies the nature of genes and the way of controlling the biochemical pathways with the help of genomics and biotechnology. The use of ionizing radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons and chemical mutagens for inducing variation is well established. Induced mutations have been used to improve major crops such as wheat, rice, barley, cotton, peanuts, and beans, which are seed propagated. These studies will definitely have a major impact on the future crop improvement 140programs. India has become the 3rd largest contributor of mutant varieties in the world. In this chapter, various advanced aspects of mutation induction, applications, and examples of successful use of induced mutants in crop improvement programs are discussed.
