Implications of Somaclonal variation in vitro in crop management: A review

Soma clonal variation presents an enormous opportunity in the horticultural industry for crop improvement in regards to using stable, heritable variations. The goal of micro-propagation of maintaining genetic infidelity and integrity resulting in clonal regenerants. In contrast to the latter, most often, in vitro conditions and, procedures do significantly account for epigenetic and genetic variability which leads to a mutation called soma clonal variation (SV). This ultimately may avail novel genotypes change that is invaluable if the variabilities are stable and heritable. Additionally, variability inducer (DNA methylation, transposons, karyotype change, mitotic crossing over, gene amplification polyploidy, aneuploidy) can lead to change(s) in gene expression or the genetic DNA sequence. In vitro variations can be isolated either by using selection or selection pressure against abiotic and biotic traits resistance. Some variations could increase undeniably the genetic diversity for plant species with narrow genetic bases, enhance useful secondary metabolites production in plants, evolutionary base phenotypic plasticity of plants response to environmental stresses through increased resistance. Consequently, most of these variations are unpredictable, less stable, non-heritable and not useful (like sterility) to their progeny. The epigenetic variations are most common and it requires intensive field trials to ascertain their suitability, stability and heritability. Embracing and utilizing the occurrence of useful soma clonal variation will contribute to knowledge bridge and crop improvement in line with resistance to pests, diseases and drought in the horticultural sector. This can significantly ameliorate food insecurity in many agricultural-dependent communities accredited to crop improvement to adapt to the current environmental condition. Keywords: Crop improvement, epigenetic and genetic, in vitro, Soma clonal variation