Genetic Improvement of Under-utilized and Neglected Crops in Low Income Food Deficit Countries Through Irradiation and Related Techniques

This publication contains the results of an FAO/IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP). It highlights the integration of radiation induced mutations in vitro culture and molecular genetics methods into the conventional breeding of neglected and under-utilized crops. The successful results included are: plant regeneration strategies in Dioscorea spp., grass peas and bambara ground nuts, root rot disease tolerant putative mutants of cocoyam, and a genetic diversity bank of bamabara ground nuts, quinoa, narajilla, okra, Amaranthus tricolor, and A. cruentus. This publication is relevant to individuals working in the area of enhancing the genetic improvement of such crops and for further advancing international programmes for improving food security, nutrition, socioeconomic aspects, employment generation and sustainable food production.