gaul: induced mutants in seed-propagated species 251 



breeding method are compared as methods in plant breeding. I feel 

 that this comparison is not fair since for the most part induced muta- 

 tions will be just a complement but not a supplement to a cross-breeding 

 program. As plant breeders, we realize that genetic diversity is the basic 

 ingredient of any plant improvement program. This diversity, which has 

 arisen by mutation, can be introduced into a cross-breeding program 

 through varieties and related species and genera. This diversity can also 

 be obtained through induced mutations. Thus, induced mutations com- 

 prise an important source of genetic diversity for a cross-breeding pro- 

 gram. 



