In Vitro Mutagenesis: A Non-invasive Technology for Effective Crop Improvement to Assure Food and Nutritional Security—Current Trends, Advancements and Future Perspectives

In vitro mutagenesis is an indispensable and effectual method of mutation breeding which can be applied in comprehensive endeavours of different agricultural areas to sustain the needs of an ever-expanding and nutritionally demanding human population as well as to combat climate change. Mutagenesis has helped in developing a large number of improved mutant varieties over the years and enhancing plant breeding efforts worldwide. In vitro mutation induction, on the other hand, offers a tremendous potential for increasing food yields, which might ensure the improvement in way of living. In vitro mutagenesis can also contribute in resolving or at least limiting some of the constraints caused by various stresses, which can precipitate significant yield losses in crops and also have a considerable impact on their productivity. This review combines the most relevant and comprehensive work related to the mutation breeding approaches and their role in crop improvement to assure food and nutrition security. It focuses on different mutagenic players, e.g. physical (gamma rays, X-rays, etc.), chemical (Alkylating agents, azides, base analogues, sodium azide, benzene, etc.) and biological (various viruses and bacterial species), their applications and impact on in vitro mutagenesis. It covers various conventional and modern approaches of mutagenesis and their role in sustainable agriculture and crop improvement. In addition, various molecular approaches involved in mutation breeding technologies are discussed thoroughly. This article emphasized on the potential of induced mutagenesis techniques for crop improvement to meet the food and nutrition demands of a growing population. In conclusion, in vitro mutagenesis stands as a powerful tool in the realm of crop improvement, offering targeted genetic modifications that can enhance desirable traits.