Application of Somaclonal Variation in Crop Improvements

Advances in tissue culture methods have made the micropropagation of plants a viable option to regenerate plantlets in large quantities, which usually runs for commercial-level propagation. A diverse range of methods is readily usable for application on plants. Clonal propagations as well as the protection of superior genotypes that have been selected for efficiency necessitate genetic stability and uniformity among plantlets. The tissue culture of plants sometimes entails the emergence of genetic dissimilarities between explants, i.e. somaclonal variants which result from mutated genes or modifications in epigenetics. The restoration of in vitro genetic variability can lead to subtle somatic cell variability. Thus, it is crucial to ensure genetic homogeneity among in vitro-raised plantlets at a preliminary phase. The genetic stability of in vitro-made progenies can be studied through morpho-physiological, physiochemical, cytogenetic, and DNA-based molecular techniques. Phylogenetic analysis variance may be a significant matter in any micropropagation plan, whereby propagating true-to-type plant materials is prioritized. Somaclonal variation, on the other hand, generates genotypic lines via new, distinct tools that facilitate the emergence of variation in plants. This is especially important in the case of difficult-to-breed species or plants with limited genetic diversity. The effects of somaclonal variation can be manifested within relatively short timeframes and without requiring sophisticated technology.