Somaclonal variation refers to genetic variations that can occur in plants produced through tissue culture. Chromosomal rearrangements are a major source of this variation, which can be genotypic or phenotypic. To minimize somaclonal variation, one should select high-quality parent material, minimize the number of transfers in culture, investigate stable families for micropropagation, keep subcultures to a minimum, regularly reinitiate clones from new explants, avoid long term culture, use axillary shoot systems, and regularly reinitiate clones from new explants. Avoiding the plant growth regulator 2,4-D in culture media can also help since it is known to introduce variation.

2. Topic
Ways to Minimize Somaclonal Variation

3. Somaclonal Variation
• Somaclonal variation is the variation seen in plants that
have been produced by plant tissue culture.
• Chromosomal rearrangements are an important source of this
variation.
• The variations can be genotypic or phenotypic,

5. Ways to Minimize Somaclonal Variation
• Select very carefully true-to-type plant material for
propagation
• Sinimize the number of transfers in culture
• Investigate the possibility of selecting stable families
for in vitro propagation.
• So the number of subcultures in micropropagation protocols
should be kept to a minimum.
• Regular reinitiation of clones from new explants might
reduce variability over time.

6. • Regular reinitiation of clones from new explants might
reduce variability over time.
• Avoiding long term culture
• Use axillary shoot system
• Regularly reinitiating clones for new explants

7. • Avoiding 2-4 D in the culture medium (this harmone is
known to introduce variation)
• Increasing the numbers of subcultures increases the
likelihood of somaclonal variation