Genetic Basis of Somaclonal Variation

Plant tissue culture is a source of genetic changes that are referred to as somaclonal variation. Somaclonal variation as a cause of variability has advantages and disadvantages. It is undesirable when in vitro culture is used as a microprogation tool to clone genetically identical plants. However, as a source of new intraspecific variation, it can be exploited by breeders to obtain new varieties. The molecular basis of somaclonal variation is not known, but both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms appear to be involved. The genetic basis of somaclonal variation, as well as the possible causes and genetic tools used to detect somaclonal variants are reviewed in this chapter.