Apart from the conventional electromagnetic radiations, like X-ray
and γ-ray or other particular ionizing radiations such as neutrons, ion
beam is now an alternative source of energy to induce mutation [6].
When charged particles are accelerated under vacuum condition and
finally bombard the target they deliver their kinetic energy as well as
mass and charge [7]. As they densely deposit their energy to the plant
tissue, their high linear energy transfer (LET) has an opportunity to
create mutants with new characters compared with the conventional radiations [8]. However new mutants reported in many publications
in this area were induced from high-energy ion beams (higher than
MeV). At Chiang Mai University (CMU), we have recently carried out a
research program on low-energy ion beam modification of horticultural
plants for induction of mutation. Chiang Mai is the horticultural
center of Thailand with a magnificent variety of floral resources
thanks to its peculiarly favorable environment and climate. Ion beam
bombardment induced mutations of flowers have further exploited
the horticultural potential. This paper reports recent development in
research and applications of ion beam biotechnology for floral
mutation achieved at CMU.