Ornamental Plants: Role of Mutation

In recent years ornamental crops became very economically important horticultural branch. In order to meet the ever increasing demand for export and internal consumption, it is imperative that production technology of ornamental crops has to be modernized. For a modern and industrialized horticulture there is always a demand and necessity for new varieties. Mutation breeding is now an established method for crop improvement. The book has described how mutation breeding technique can be successfully utilised in floriculture trade for evolving new varieties in different ornamental crops. The book covers both applied and basic aspects of mutation in general and vegetatively propagated ornamentals in particular. The book presents practical results of mutation investigations on Chrysanthemum, garden rose, Rosa damascena and Lantana depressa. All basic aspects of mutagen induced mutations in flower colour/shape and isolation and establishment of new variety have been described in depth in lucid language. The book covers a wide aspects of radiosensitivity, use of recurrent gamma irradiation, use of colchicine for altering flower colour, screening techniques for detection and isolation of mutants, comparative cytomorphological, anatomical, palynological and biochemical analysis. Origin of somatic flower colour mutation has been given special attention. The book is extremely well prepared and contains huge volume of informations on mutations. The book will serve as an extremely comprehensive guide to the researchers and the student alike.