Mutation breeding as a sustainable approach to address malnutrition through fruit-based diets

Abstract

Malnutrition, particularly micronutrient deficiency or hidden hunger, remains a global challenge despite advances in food production and dietary diversification. Fruits, as natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, are key to improving nutritional security, yet conventional breeding has often prioritized yield and marketability over nutrient density. This study evaluated mutation breeding as a sustainable and non-transgenic strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of guava (Psidium guajava), banana (Musa spp.), and mango (Mangifera indica). Seeds and propagules were exposed to gamma irradiation (200 Gy) and ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS, 0.2%), and subsequent generations (M1-M3) were screened for agronomic and nutritional traits. Biochemical assays and molecular marker analyses revealed significant improvements in vitamin C, β-carotene, anthocyanins, and polyphenols across all crops, with EMS consistently outperforming gamma irradiation. Nutrient enhancements ranged from 20-32% for vitamin C, 15-27% for β-carotene, 19-31% for anthocyanins, and 12-24% for polyphenols, while yield remained statistically unaffected. Permutation ANOVA and pairwise tests confirmed the significance of these improvements, demonstrating that mutation breeding can generate nutrient-rich lines without compromising agronomic performance. The findings underscore the potential of mutation breeding to serve as a sustainable, cost-effective, and socially acceptable approach for biofortification of fruit crops. By integrating mutation breeding into national and international nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs, it is possible to deliver nutritionally superior fruits to vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to the reduction of hidden hunger and supporting global food and nutrition security goals.