Services in irradiation treatments.

Abstract

Physical mutagens, particularly gamma and X-rays, are well established in plant mutation breeding. Although gamma irradiation has been predominant, it involves the use of radioactive isotopes and requires specialist facilities (gamma cells, gamma houses and gamma fields). X-ray machines are more abundant and easier to use, and so are becoming more popular as they do not involve radioactive isotopes and therefore are not governed by the same stringent regulations as gamma emitters. A brief description and comparison of gamma and X-ray irradiation is given. Physical irradiation services are available at the international, regional and national levels. Other non-physical mutagens are discussed in relation to plant breeding and functional genomics.