(a) Mutations are beneficial for plant breeding. Taking an example, justify the statement. (b) Discuss briefly the technology that made us self-sufficient in food production.

(a) Mutation is a process by which the genetic sequence of the plant can be alter. Mutations can occur naturally and it is induced too. The mutations have helped in improving the quality of the crops. Artificially mutation is induced by gamma rays and then a plant with desirable trait is selected. Artificial mutation is known as mutation breeding.

Example: In mung bean, resistance to yellow mosaic virus and powdery mildew were induced by mutations.

(b) The technology that has made us self sufficient in the food production is plant breeding.

In order to release a variety certain steps are taken into consideration and then the best variety of plant with desirable traits is grown. The improvement found in the crops is the development of semi-dwarf variety, high yielding and disease resistant variety and early maturity variety.