Gamma Gardening, also known as Atomic Gardening, is a form of plant mutation breeding where plants or seeds are intentionally exposed to gamma radiation to induce genetic mutations. The objective is to generate desirable traits in crops, like increased disease resistance or higher yields. This radiation typically comes from isotopes like cobalt-60 or caesium-137, placed centrally within a specialized field layout known as a gamma garden.

A gamma garden is structured with concentric circles radiating out from the central radiation source. This results in different levels of radiation exposure across the field. Plants closer to the center receive higher doses, often causing them to perish or develop severe abnormalities. The most beneficial mutations are typically found in plants further from the center, where exposure is less intense. These mutated plants are then selected for further breeding or directly introduced as new varieties.

This approach was widely explored from the 1950s onwards and was backed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Despite newer genetic modification techniques, gamma gardening still plays a crucial role in certain regions, especially where food security is a concern and stable, high-yield crops are needed.

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