Somaclonal variation is generally undesirable in woody plant tissue cultures
when the main aim is In Vitro micropropagation or transformation of selected material,
however, it could sometimes be useful for the production of new and valuable varieties.
Thus, the determination of somaclonal variation is very important for the genetic
fidelity of the micropropagated woody plant species. Molecular markers are generally
used in the identification of plant species, analysis of qualitative and quantitative trait
loci, determination of the genetic distance between genotypes, detection of stable, high
yielding and qualified varieties for variety registration and certification. Moreover,
molecular markers are also very useful for the evaluation of the genetic fidelity of
micropropagated cultures. Among many markers, ISSRs, SSRs, AFLPs and MSAPs
are found to be very efficient for the assessment of genetic stability of micropropagated
different woody plants since they are easy to apply, quick to use, and more reliable due
to their efficiency and repeatability. In this context, the aim of the present book chapter
is to review the advantages of molecular markers together with the summarization of
the studies on the determination of genetic stability of micropropagated woody species
using this technique in the last decade and causes of somaclonal variation.
Keywords: In Vitro propagation, Molecular marker, PCR, Somaclonal variation, Woody plants.
