Volume 30 Number 1 Article 19 Pages: 20-20
Year 1976 Month 1
Title: Use of Ionizing Radiation in Fruit Breeding
Author: M.M. Thompson
Citation
Abstract:
There is an apparent lack of interest
by U.S. plant breeders in the use
of induced mutations whereas in Europe,
and elsewhere, this tool is being
used widely and successfully.
The
International Atomic Energ Agency
in cooperation with FA0 has, since
1966, stimulated interest and disseminated
information on methodology
and achievements through a series of
Panels, Symposia, Training Sessions,
Research Coordination Meetings, and
the Mutation Breeding Newsletter
which provides rapid communication
between research workers.
This tool
offers particular promise for fruit crop
improvement because 1) the long generations,
large space requirements,
and heterozygosity make it impossible
to transfer particular traits into otherwise
successful cultivars by conventional
breeding methods, 2) many present
cultivars arose by spontaneous
mutation, and 3) vegetative propagation
ensures immediate perpetuation
of new types.
From the industry's
standpoint (handling, processing, and
marketing) an "improved" well-known
cultivar has definite advantages over
a completely new type.
The use of
induced mutations should be considered
in programs where the objective
is to improve one trait or two in successive
steps). Traits that have been
induced in fruit crops include compact
growth habit, fruit color changes, earlier
and later flowering and fruit maturity,
increased and decreased fertility,
and self-compatibility in sweet
cherries (never identified before). The induction of disease resistance is receiving
a major thrust in the IAEA
program.
By 1973, 24 crop cultivars
had been released with improved disease
resistance from mutagenic treatment.
As yet, no extensive programs
for inducing disease resistance in fruit
cultivars have been reported although
this technique appears promising.
In
Oregon our prime objective is to
induce compact mutants in sweet
cherry.
We are also screening for bacterial
canker (Pseudomonas) resistance.
I urge my colleagues to communicate
mutation breeding results,
both positive and negative, so that,
collectivelv. we can achieve more ranid
advances in methodology and practical
achievements.
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