Somaclonal variation as a tool for temperate fruit breeding

Abstract

Somaclonal variation involves all forms of phenotypic and genotypic variation generated by in vitro growth. It can provide useful genetic variation for plant improvement, especially in vegetatively propagated crops such as fruits. The efficiency of breeding by somaclonal variation can be enhanced by in vitro screening. Apart from some general information about somaclonal variation, research on somaclonal variation and in vitro selection in apple, pear and quince, strawberry and peach is reviewed in the paper.