Somaclonal Variants in Ornamental Foliage: A Review
Authors: Aswathi T. P , Kumari I. Priya , Rafeekher M. , Reshmi C. R , Anuradha T. 
Published: February 2025

Somaclonal variation, where genetic and phenotypic diversity arises among plants regenerated from tissue culture, has significant implications for ornamental horticulture. This variation, induced during in vitro propagation, presents an innovative and cost-effective method for developing new ornamental varieties with desirable traits such as unique color, fragrance, flower shape, and increased resistance to diseases and environmental stressors. Somaclonal variation mechanisms include chromosomal rearrangements, DNA methylation, transposable element activation, and somatic mutations. Although somaclonal variation can sometimes result in undesired traits, careful selection and screening can enhance ornamental plant breeding, leading to the commercialization of novel and improved varieties. Advances in molecular markers and genomic tools allow for early detection and management of beneficial somaclonal variants, improving their stability and reproducibility. Thus, somaclonal variation serves as a vital resource for genetic diversity and innovation in ornamental breeding, contributing to the aesthetic, economic, and ecological value of ornamental plants in landscaping and the floriculture industry.
Somaclonal variation is a significant phenomenon in plant biotechnology, offering a valuable tool for enhancing genetic diversity and breeding efficiency in ornamental plants. This explores the mechanisms underlying somaclonal variation, including genetic and epigenetic modifications induced during in vitro culture, such as DNA mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, and changes in DNA methylation patterns. This variation, induced during in vitro propagation, presents an innovative and cost-effective method for developing new ornamental varieties with desirable traits such as unique color, fragrance, flower shape, and increased resistance to diseases and environmental stressors is critically examined, highlighting their importance in ornamental plant improvement.
Furthermore, this discusses advanced molecular tools such as marker-assisted selection, next-generation sequencing, and transcriptomic approaches for detecting, characterizing, and stabilizing these variations. By bridging fundamental research with applied breeding, this review underscores the significance of somaclonal variation as an innovative strategy for the rapid development of unique and commercially valuable ornamental plant varieties.
Advances in molecular markers and genomic tools allow for early detection and management of beneficial somaclonal variants, improving their stability and reproducibility. Additionally, the challenges associated with somaclonal variation, including genetic instability, undesirable mutations, and limited reproducibility, are addressed, along with strategies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of this approach. Thus, somaclonal variation serves as a vital resource for genetic diversity and innovation in ornamental breeding, contributing to the aesthetic, economic, and ecological value of ornamental plants in landscaping and the floriculture industry. Future prospects for integrating somaclonal variation with modern biotechnological techniques, such as CRISPR-based genome editing and synthetic biology, are also discussed to improve its potential in ornamental plant breeding further.