Soma clonal Variation as a breeding tool for crop improvement. Botany. Plant Biotechnology. Soma clonal variation is a phenomenon that occurs when plants are regenerated from tissue cultures, and it leads to genetic and phenotypic differences among the regenerated plants compared to the parent plant. This variation is primarily due to genetic and epigenetic changes that can arise during the tissue culture process. While soma clonal variation was initially considered a hindrance to plant breeding and propagation, it has also been recognized as a potentially valuable tool in plant breeding programs.
3. Introduction:
Soma clonal Variation as a breeding tool:
• “Soma clonal variation refers to the
genetic variation that arises when they
are regenerated from somatic cells in
tissue culture”
• Through soma clonal variation new traits
(like stress tolerance, disease resistance, and
improved yield potential) are introduces in
plants.
• Breeding tool is any method or technique
used by breeders to improve the traits of
plants or animals, making them healthier,
more productive, or better suited to specific
purposes.
4. Causes of Soma clonal variation:
Genetic
cause
• Change in chromosome number. (Aneuploidy, Polyploidy)
• Change in chromosome structure. (Deletion, Inversion, Duplication)
• Genetic Mutation. (Insertion, Deletion, Transition, Transversion)
Physiological
Cause
• Exposure to PGR.
• Culture Conditions.
Biochemical
Cause
• DNA Methylation.
• Histone Modification (Acetylation, Methylation, Phosphorylation)
5. Applications:
Applications Examples
• Resistance to disease,
insects and tolerance to
herbicide.
Tobacco that was resistance to potato
virus Y, and herbicides resistance.
• New and unique traits in
plants.
Tomatoes leading to increased fruit
size and improved taste.
• Improved seed quality Corn with improved seed germination
• Offer higher yields Development of high-yield maize plants
• Production of agronomically
useful plants
Creation of high-yield, pest-resistant
potato plants
• Better nutritional content Improved vitamin C content in potatoes
through soma clonal variation
6. Advantages
and
Disadvantages:
Advantages Disadvantages
Wide range of Genetic Diversity Genetic Instability
Source of Novel Traits Unpredictable Changes
Crop Improvement Potential Reduced Fitness
Research and Breeding Tool Intellectual Property Issues
Disease Resistance Epigenetic Changes
Environmental Adaptation Regulatory Concerns
7. Future Perspective:
• Development of new crop varieties with desired
traits.
• Precision Breeding
• Molecular Understanding
• Combined Approaches
• Legal and Regulatory Considerations
8. Conclusion:
• Soma clonal variation offers a rapid and focused approach to introducing
novel traits in crops.
• While its potential for accelerating breeding efforts is evident, careful
selection and understanding of underlying mechanisms are paramount.
• By synergizing with other methods and addressing regulatory
considerations, soma clonal variation holds promise in shaping a more
resilient and productive agricultural future.
