Somaclonal variation in Begonia × elatior and Saintpaulia ionantha L.

Abstract

Begonia × elatior plantlets, regenerated from leaf disk callus, showed differences in flower morphology, flower size, plant height, plant morphology and number of flowers per plant. Similarly, a range of somaclonal variation was observed in plantlets regenerated from leaf disks of Saintpaulia ionantha L., without being preceded by the callus phase. Flowering varied from 78 to 109 days. The corolla was tubular in 4% of regenerants and abscissed when touched gently. Non-flowering regenerants had thick and hard leaves. Some had variegated and serrated leaves. Somaclonal variation was recorded in the number of flowers per plant, flower size and the number of petals per flower. Flower color was stable in both species. Micropropagation of two MV1 somaclones of each experimental plant, selected for their desirable traits, stabilized in the MV2 and MV3 generations. The selection of desirable somaclones and their micropropagation in subsequent generations can lead to the development of new and stable lines.