When plants are selected for mutation breeding, various tests will be carried out, on a wide number of individual plants. The tests may be radiating the plants, or exposing them to various chemicals. Each plant will then be assessed to determine whether a mutation has occurred that is considered to be beneficial for the breeders. If mutations prove beneficial, these plants can then be inserted into a crop field that wasn’t exposed to radiation/chemicals, which allows them to interbreed, which create plant hybrids. These mutations alter the genetics of the plant, meaning it’s functions may be beneficial to the breeder, but may cause problems for the longevity of the strain, or if consumed by people, cause ill health.