Somatic hybridization in plants

Somatic hybridization is a biotechnological technique used to create hybrids between different plant species or varieties by fusing somatic cells. This method enables the transfer of desirable traits, such as disease resistance or stress tolerance, that may not be achievable through conventional breeding. The process typically involves protoplast isolation, fusion, and regeneration of whole plants. Somatic hybridization can lead to the development of novel plant varieties with enhanced characteristics, contributing to agricultural biodiversity and food security. Advances in cell fusion techniques and tissue culture have made somatic hybridization a valuable tool in plant biotechnology.