Protoplast fusion in plants

Protoplast fusion is a biotechnology technique that involves the fusion of plant cells by removing their cell walls to create a new hybrid cell. This process is widely used in plant breeding and genetic engineering to combine traits from different species that may not naturally crossbreed, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved yield. By fusing protoplasts of two plants, scientists can create a heterokaryon with genetic material from both parent plants, bypassing the need for traditional breeding. Protoplast fusion techniques involve chemical, physical, or electrical methods to induce fusion, after which the resulting cell can grow into a mature hybrid plant. This method has contributed to the development of novel crop varieties and holds great promise in creating resilient plants suited to changing environmental conditions.