Somaclonal variation in aluminum tolerance and gibberellic acid sensibility in wheat

Abstract

In order to detect the induction of variability through tissue culture and the utilization of somaclonal variation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding, five genotypes of different statures and with tolerance to aluminum (Al⁺⁺⁺) toxicity, and their F₁ hybrids, were submitted to immature embryo culture. Parallel to the tissue culture, regeneration and development processes, the genotypes and their progenies were sown to obtain F₂ population, with or without tissue culture, which were simultaneously tested by means of successive nutritive solutions in selective concentrations of Al⁺⁺⁺ (10 ppm) and gibberellic acid-GA₃ (100 ppm). The comparisons among populations submitted or not to tissue culture showed die existence of a possible somaclonal variation since some F₂ populations which passed through the in vitro process had a differentiated behavior regarding the two evaluated traits. The method employed confirmed the possibility of detecting genetic differences in wheat and its possible utilization in plant breeding.