No abstract available

[en] The author points out the importance of exploration, conservation and documentation of genetic resources and reviews the current status of utilization of available genetic resources and the present breeding strategies

[en] Mutation induction has become an established tool in plant breeding to supplement existing germplasm and to improve cultivars in certain specific traits. Hundreds of improved varieties have been released to farmers for many different crop species, demonstrating the economic value of the technology. Limitations arise mainly from the large size of the mutagenized populations to be screened and from the unsatisfactory selection methods. Both limitations may be eased to some extent by advances in techniques of plant in vitro culture. (author). 228 refs. 1 fig. 7 tabs

No abstract available

[en] Short communication

[en] Grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius), black jelly mushroom (Auricularia auricula) and paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) are the most common and typical edible mushrooms species enjoyed by Malaysians owing to their good flavors properties and high nutrients content. Master culture or commonly known as mother culture is a crucial element in producing a good mushroom seedlings. In vitro technique of initiating tissues in preparing the mother culture is the most crucial step. Firstly, screening and selection for quality fruiting body used to initiate tissue must be fresh, healthy and free from any spots of pest and diseases. Secondly, place in doing the activity must be closed environment, clean and comfortable such as in laminar air flow or clean chamber. Preparation for the clean area is conducted 30 minutes prior to tissue excises. Thirdly, tools in dissecting the tissues must be dry, sterile and normally autoclaved at 121 degree Celsius, 15 psi for 15 minutes. Besides, media used in growing the mycelium should be freshly prepared and free from any spot from bacteria and/or fungus. Fourthly, personnel carrying out the activities must be clean, equipped with laboratory coat and healthy. Fifthly, the process in excising the tissues should be conducted carefully and gently. All steps mentioned are important in getting a good material free from contamination. This paper discusses in depth the steps and procedures taken in initiating different types of mushroom. (author)

[en] The paper describes the extent of salinity in the Indus Plain and mentions some of the methods employed for reclaiming the salt-affected soils. The rationale of a biological approach consisting of introduction of a plant succession on calcareous saline-sodic soils has been described, and has given encouraging results in the preliminary experiments carried out by the authors

[en] Advances in molecular genetics and DNA technologies have brought plant breeding, including mutation breeding, into a molecular era. With ever-increasing knowledge of molecular genetics and genomics and rapidly emerging molecular techniques, breeders can now use mutation techniques in breeding new varieties more wisely and efficiently than ever before. Plant molecular mutation breeding is here defined as mutation breeding, in which molecular or genomic information and tools are used in the development of breeding strategies, screening, selection and verification of induced mutants, and in the utilization of mutated genes in the breeding process. It is built upon the science of DNA damage, repair and mutagenesis, plant molecular genetics and genomics of important agronomic traits as well as induced mutations. Mutagenic treatment, super-mutable genetic lines, molecular markers and high throughput DNA technologies for mutation screening such as TILLING (Targeting Induced Limited Lesions IN Genomes), are the key techniques and resources in molecular mutation breeding. Molecular mutation breeding will significantly increase both the efficiency and efficacy of mutation techniques in crop breeding. A perspective molecular mutation breeding scheme is proposed for discussion. (author)

No abstract available

[en] The Joint FAO/IAEA Division, during its 20 years of existence, has encouraged and supported research to advance the technology of mutation breeding. This has required the adjustment of established methods to suit the peculiarities of different plant species, and formulation of procedures for selecting desired mutants to meet a wide array of breeding objectives. Most recently, in vitro culture techniques have been added to the plant breeders' armoury