Author(s): Vishal Kaushal, Dhrubajyoti Banerjee, Sandeep Kumar, Abdul Waheed Wani, Niharika Gurung, Ajay Verma, Sanjeev Kumar, Tushar Mhaske and Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi

Abstract: A promising method for producing asymmetrical and unbalanced polyploidy somatic hybrids in multiple kinds of plant species is somatic hybridization through protoplast fusion. By introducing new lines which are practical as superior breeding material for scion and rootstock enhancements, this strategy possesses the capacity to get better traditional breeding programmes. Somatic hybridization is noteworthy because it tackles issues related to sexual hybridization, including male/female sterility, nucellar embryogenesis, and sexual incompatibility. The successful application of somatic hybridization in horticulture is illustrated by the diffusion of genes that resist into multiple kinds of crops from similar plants, such as citrus, potato, brinjal, tomato, mango, avocado, banana, strawberry, pear, and cherry, for both biotic and abiotic stresses. Somatic hybridization permits for the exchange of many uncloned genes without being restricted by legal formalities, unlike transgenic technology. As opposed to sexual hybridization, somatic hybridization has various restrictions and constraints that may prevent it from being widely used. However, new genomic technologies provide hope in this regard. With an improved comprehension of plant genomes provided by these technologies, somatic hybridization may be used more broadly and more effectively to benefit agriculture.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i6a.1250