Somaclonal variation in some agronomic and quality characters in wheat

Abstract

A total of 256 selected lines derived from tissue culture of three hexaploid wheat cultivars were grown in a replicated hill plot experiment to examine somaclonal variation in agronomic characters. The lines were derived by single plant selection for various characters from a total of 100 regenerants, and were either SC3 or SC4 generation in the test. Significant variation was found in all the characters measured: height, grain number per spike, kernel weight, yield, total dry weight and harvest index. In most cases, variation could be identified which was both less than and greater than the parental controls. However, there was also an apparent effect of the parent cultivar on the total amount and direction of the variation. For two cultivars, lines could be traced back through the culture phase to individual explant embryos. Many of the original embryos contributed significant variation, and most characters showed significant variation arising from more than one embryo. In the following year, 32 lines selected from the hill plot experiment were grown in larger replicated plots and yield, harvest index and a number of grain and baking quality characters were measured. No lines selected for high yield or harvest index maintained significant improvements over their parental controls. However, significant variation was displayed for many of the quality characters examined. Significant increases in kernel weight, hardness and protein content, and a significant reduction in yellow pigmentation represented potentially useful improvements. Only unfavourable variation was seen in flour yield and in mixograph height, time and breakdown.

Detection of DNA changes in somaclonal mutants of rice using SSR markers and transposon display

“…This form of variation has been extensively reported in a variety of plants, including many self-pollinated plants, such as rice, wheat, and barley (Oono 1985;Ryan et al 1987;Breiman et al 1987), and provides an additional source of novel variation for plant breeding and genetics. During the last two decades, many somaclonal mutants with various modified agronomic characteristics have been identified (Ryan et al 1987;Adkins et al 1995;Gao et al 2002). However, somaclonal variation can also be a very serious impediment in Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11240-009-9551-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.…”

Estimation of genetic parameters for in vitro traits in wheat immature embryo cultures involving high X low regeneration capacity genotypes

“…Higher regeneration rates have been reported for in vitro culture of immature embryos compared to mature embryo cultures (Barakat & Abdel-Latif, 1994). Somaclones derived from immature embryo culture possess a wide range of genetic variation, including changes in plant height, grain number per spike, kernel weight, grain yield, total dry weight and harvest index (Ryan et al, 1987). Such somaclones offer a potentially useful source of genetic variation for use in varietal improvement (Tomes & Swanson, 1982;Chaleff, 1981).…”

Callus Culture and Gamma-Ray Treatment used for Inducing New Breeding Material in Wheat (Tr.Aestivum L.)

“…The potential for somaclonal variation to contribute genetic variation for the improvement of plants has been recognized (9,13,14). The combination of in vitro culture and gamma ray treatment has been reported by several authors {12, 1, 11).…”

“…aestivum L.) has been extensively studied and a number of somaclones with altered morphological, physiological, biochemical, agronomical and quality traits have been described (14,10,13).…”