Reverse genetics by fast neutron mutagenesis in higher plants

Fast neutron mutagenesis has long been used for forward genetic studies in plants. Only recently has it been used for reverse genetics. By combining fast neutron mutagenesis and high throughput PCR screening, a new knockout methodology, Deleteagene (Delete-a-gene), was developed in Arabidopsis and rice to obtain deletion mutants for target genes. Since fast neutron is a highly efficient mutagen that produces deletion mutations easily detectable by PCR, this method has the potential to enable reverse genetic screens in most plant species. In this review, we will discuss the use of fast neutron as a mutagen for creating deletion mutations, and strategies for successful application of Deleteagene in other plant species.