RRI.CO.ID, Cibinong - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is championing the use of mutation strategies to develop new ornamental plant varieties that boast high economic value and align with evolving market trends. This push aims to transform Indonesia’s vast tropical germplasm into globally competitive commercial products.

During the HortiActive #25 Webinar on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Sri Rianawati, a Senior Researcher at BRIN’s Horticulture Research Center, emphasized that in the ornamental plant industry, uniqueness often outweighs productivity. Market preferences, such as variegated patterns, dark leaf hues, and unique textures, are the primary drivers for new variety development.

“In ornamental plants, uniqueness is more important than productivity,” Sri explained, noting that mutations can occur naturally or be induced through chemical and physical agents like X-rays and gamma rays, as quoted by BRIN's official website.

Sri detailed how mutations affect a plant's biological makeup, from DNA damage to changes in gene expression. These alterations manifest as the striking phenotypic variations that consumers crave.

For instance, inhibiting chlorophyll pathways can result in white or yellow variegation, while shifts in anthocyanin and carotenoid pathways produce vibrant reds, purples, and oranges.

Interestingly, what might be considered a biological imperfection in food crops is a source of high-value innovation in the ornamental sector. Variegated plants often command significantly higher prices than their normal counterparts.

To streamline the development process, BRIN utilizes several advanced molecular detection methods that allow for more efficient breeding. One such method is TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes), which enables researchers to identify genetic changes immediately without waiting for visible physical traits to emerge.

Additionally, PCR-based markers, including tools such as RAPD, ISSR, and SSR, are employed to significantly increase the accuracy of mutant selection. Finally, the agency adopts integrated technology through approaches like transcriptomics and metabolomics to gain a comprehensive understanding of genetic changes and identify specific markers for ornamental traits.

A key strategic goal for BRIN is to reduce Indonesia's reliance on imported varieties. Sri pointed out that while Indonesia is rich in biological resources, it has historically lacked the innovation required for high-tier variety assembly.

“We don't lack plants, but we still lack variety innovation,” she asserted.

She added that combining mutation with in vitro (tissue culture) techniques can accelerate mass production and the selection of new cultivars.

While challenges such as mutation instability and the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation remain, technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 offer a future of high-precision breeding. Sri concluded that the future of the industry lies in the "courage to see potential in imperfection," turning genetic variations into creative economic assets. ***