SOMACLONAL VARIATION IN ALUMINUM TOLERANC E AND GIBBERELLIC-ACID SENSIBILITY IN WHEAT

In order to detect the induction of variability through tissue culture and the utilization of somaclonal variation in wheat (Triticum aestiv um L.) breeding, five genotypes of different statures and with toleran ce to aluminum (Al+++) toxicity, and their F-1 hybrids, were submitted to immature embryo culture. Parallel to the tissue culture, regenerat ion and development processes, the genotypes and their progenies were sown to obtain F-2 population, with or without tissue culture, which w ere simultaneously tested by means of successive nutritive solutions i n selective concentrations of Al+++ (10 ppm) and gibberellic acid-GA3 (100 ppm). The comparisons among populations submitted or not to tissu e culture showed the existence of a possible somaclonal variation sinc e some F-2 populations which passed through the in vitro process had a differentiated behavior regarding the two evaluated traits. The metho d employed confirmed the possibility of detecting genetic differences in wheat and its possible utilization in plant breeding.