Foreword 



J. HIS Symposium developed from die deliberations of the Com- 

 mittee on Plant Breeding and Genetics which had been asked by the 

 Agricultural Board of the Division of Biology and Agriculture, 

 National Academy of Sciences — National Research Council, to make 

 a realistic evaluation of the present status and future prospects of the 

 use of induced mutations in the breeding of improved varieties of 

 plants. A comprehensive symposium in this broad area of research 

 had not been held for several years. In the meantime many labora- 

 tories were active in both the theoretical and applied aspects of 

 research in induced mutations. The deliberations of the Committee 

 were directed primarily toward the research involving mutations 

 produced by radiation. The scope of the program was broadened 

 necessarily to include mutations regardless of origin, but with con- 

 siderable emphasis remaining on those produced by radiation. The 

 results of research in both the practical and theoretical investigations 

 in genetics and breeding were emphasized. From the start of the Com- 

 mittee's deliberations it was felt that the results of the Symposium 

 should be of immediate, as well as long-time value, to geneticists and 

 breeders, and should bring their research into closer juxtaposition. 



The meetings were held from the 28th of November through 

 the 2nd of December, 1960. Afternoon and evening work sessions met 

 during each of the first 4 days. Approximately 160 participants 

 attended by invitation of the sponsoring Committee. The program 

 consisted of 15 invitational papers, 5 formal discussions, and a formal 

 resume. In addition, 34 volunteer contributions were given during 

 the work sessions. These are not to be published by the Committee, 

 but brief abstracts were multilithed and distributed to those in 

 attendance. 



The sponsoring Committee gratefully acknowledges the financial 

 support received from the United States Atomic Energy Commission, 

 the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, 

 and the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture. The encouragement of the Agricultural Board 

 and the Agricultural Research Institute was helpful to the Committee 

 in bringing the Symposium to fruition. 



