Editorial: Mutational breeding: from induced mutations to site-directed mutagenesis.

The editorial in "Frontiers in Plant Science" discusses the use of mutational breeding techniques, from induced mutations to site-directed mutagenesis, in developing new cultivars in various crop plants and fruit trees. The article highlights the importance of mutational breeding in improving multi-gene quantitative traits for tolerance to abiotic stress, especially in the context of climate change. Different studies presented in the editorial demonstrate the application of chemically and physically induced mutations in crops like wheat, barley, bean, pear fruit tree, and Arabidopsis, showcasing the potential for creating biodiversity and enhancing plant improvements. The authors emphasize the significance of combining mutational breeding with DNA sequencing and marker-assisted selection for crop improvement and resilience to environmental challenges. [Extracted from the article]