THE POTENTIAL OF SOMATIC HYBRIDIZATION IN CROP BREEDING

In recent years, the rapid development of somatic cell genetics has ma de possible the transfer of alien genes over wide taxonomic distances by somatic hybridization. In this review, the potential of somatic hyb ridization in the breeding of crops within the Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae is discussed. It is evident from these studies that many hybrids, either symmetric or asymmetric, which are fertile have the potential to be used as a bridge between the alien species an d the crop. Progeny analysis of some hybrid combinations also reveals intergenomic translocations which may lead to the introgression of the alien genes. Furthermore, fusion techniques enable the resynthesis of allopolyploid crops to increase their genetic variability and to rest ore ploidy level and heterozygosity after breeding at reduced ploidy l evel in polyploid crops.