Genetic Fidelity Assessment of Micropropagated Woody Plants Through Molecular Analysis

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.