Improvement of Malaysian Ornamental Plants through Induced Mutation

Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) has started research on the improvement of ornamental plants through induced mutation (mutagenesis) since the early 1990s. The research emphasis was initially on creating new ornamental varieties through the use of the nuclear technology and later through a combination with biotechnology. Concurrently, several other species of landscaping plants, flowering and foliage were also subjected to radiation for further improvement. To date, Nuclear Malaysia has produced more than 20 new varieties of ornamental and landscaping plants. These new varieties have been transferred to various end-users, private nurseries and government agencies, such as the National Landscape Department and local councils, through collaborations and partnerships. Besides diversifying local ornamental germplasms, these efforts are also in line with the government’s vision to make Malaysia a “Beautiful and Advanced Garden Nation” by the year 2020