Cyto-palynological, Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Original and Induced Mutants of Garden Chrysanthemum

Abstract

A large number of new somatic flower color/type mutants have been evolved by induced mutations in different ornamental plants. Few reports are available on the systematic work being done on the comparative analysis of the original and mutant cultivars. This paper reports the result of comparative analysis on cyto-palynological, biochemical and molecular characters of original and mutant cultivars for a better understanding of the exact mechanism involved in the origin and evolution of flower color mutations. Cultivar identification and cultivar relatedness are important issues for horticultural breeders. Proper characterization and identification of new mutant cultivars is extremely important to protect plant breeder’s rights for commercial exploitation.