Branch mutation occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Many traditional varieties known today originated from natural branch mutations and were discovered by farmers and spread to the industry. We propose a project to provide basic training to local farmers so that they can identify new and compatible varieties through their own experiences and observations. In this project, farmers in citrus production areas will be made aware of branch mutation and natural mutations, and will be taught methods to follow in transforming observations and discoveries into varieties, thus ensuring that each farmer becomes a breeder who discovers mutations already made by nature.

TAGEM is a central general directorate under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, comprising 52 different research institutes in various disciplines. Alata Horticultural Research Institute is a research centre affiliated with TAGEM, located in Erdemli, Mersin, on the Mediterranean coast. It conducts research, projects, and production activities in the fields of fruit and vegetable breeding, agronomy, food technology, and plant health.

While primarily focused on citrus fruits, its research extends to all types of fruits and vegetables grown along the Mediterranean coast, including bananas, carob, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, as well as their food processing and plant health research.