Bud sport

Bud sport, or sporting, is a naturally occurring biological phenomenon where a part of a plant, specifically a bud, exhibits traits that are different from the rest of the plant. This can result in different flower color, fruit size, leaf shape, or other distinct characteristics. Bud sports are a source of genetic variation and have been used in plant breeding to develop new cultivars.

Overview

A bud sport is a form of mutation that occurs in a single bud. This mutation can be passed on to the plant's offspring if the bud is used for vegetative propagation, such as grafting or budding. Bud sports can occur in many types of plants, including fruit trees, roses, and orchids.

Causes

The exact cause of bud sports is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to changes in the plant's DNA. This can be caused by errors in DNA replication, exposure to radiation or chemicals, or viral infections. Some bud sports are caused by transposons, segments of DNA that can move from one part of the genome to another.

Examples

One of the most famous examples of a bud sport is the navel orange, which originated as a bud sport of the sweet orange. Other examples include the 'Red Delicious' apple, which was a bud sport of the 'Delicious' apple, and the 'Thompson Seedless' grape, which was a bud sport of the 'Sultanina' grape.

Use in Plant Breeding

Bud sports have been used in plant breeding for centuries. They are a source of genetic variation, which is essential for the development of new cultivines. By selecting and propagating bud sports, plant breeders can create new varieties with desirable traits.

See Also

• Mutation breeding
• Genetic variation
• Vegetative propagation

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