Plant Breeding for Disease Resistance: Mutation Breeding - Practice Questions & MCQ

• Mutation is the process by which genetic variations are created through changes in the base sequence within genes resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the parental type.
• It is possible to induce mutations artificially through use of chemicals or radiations (like gamma radiations), and selecting and using the plants that have the desirable character as a source in breeding – this process is called mutation breeding. 
• In the mung bean, resistance to yellow mosaic virus and powdery mildew were induced by mutations.

Transfer of Resistant Gene:

• Several wild relatives of different cultivated species of plants have been shown to have certain resistant characters but have very low yield. 
• Hence, there is a need to introduce the resistant genes into the high-yielding cultivated varieties. 
• Resistance to yellow mosaic virus in bhindi (Abelmoschus esculentus) was transferred from a wild species and resulted in a new variety of A. esculentus called Parbhani kranti.