Presence Of High Genetic Variability Research Articles

Selection criteria of MPOB-Angola germplasm collection for yield improvement of the oil palm

Oil palm germplasm collected from Angola, Africa in 1991 were subjected to genetic variability potential studies. The collection was planted in the form of open-pollinated families as trials at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Kluang Research Station, Johor, Malaysia, in 1994. Dura palms from 52 families and tenera palms from 44 families of MPOB-Angola were evaluated for their bunch yield and bunch quality components. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability among the families and performance of MPOB-Angola germplasm for yield improvement. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant differences between the dura and tenera families for most of the traits, suggesting the presence of high genetic variability, which is essential for breeding programmes. Among the duras, family AGO 02.02 displayed the best yield performance, with a high fresh fruit bunch, oil yield and total economic product at 240.40, 29.46 and 37.93 ​kg palm−1 year−1, respectively. As for the teneras, family AGO 03.04 recorded the highest FFB yield and oil yield at 249.25 and 45.22 ​kg palm−1 year−1, respectively. Besides that, several families with big fruit sizes or producing a mean fruit weight of 14–17 ​g were also identified. Both dura and tenera from AGO 01.01 recorded the highest oil to bunch (O/B) of 17.76% and 28.65%, respectively. These findings will facilitate the selection of palms from the MPOB-Angola germplasm for future breeding programmes.

Identification of Breed-Specific SNPs in Ethiopian Indigenous and European Beef Cattle Breeds and how they May Influence Adaptation and Selection Signatures

Background: Understanding the genetic foundation of locally adapted indigenous cattle breeds is critical information for developing appropriate genetic improvement and conservation initiatives. To investigate breed-specific SNPs, and minor allele frequency of three Ethiopian cattle breeds Begait, (n = 40), Boran (n = 40), and Fogera (n = 43) were genotyped with 80K SNP array. Three European beef cattle breeds (Angus, n = 42), Hereford (n = 35), and Charolais (n = 37) were also used for comparison. Results: The average minor allele frequency was 0.19 ± 0.17, 0.20 ± 0.17, 0.21± 0.17, 0.31 ± 0.13, 0.32 ± 0.12, 0.32 ± 0.13 for Angus, Herford, Charolais, Boran, Fogera, and Begait cattle, respectively. Minor allele frequency difference was observed between Ethiopian indigenous and European beef cattle breeds. Across the Ethiopian and European cattle breeds, a common variant minor allele frequency (≥0.10 and ≤ 0.5) accounted 94% and 62%, respectively. A total of 7759 and 48 SNPs were identified as breed-specific in Ethiopian cattle breeds and European beef cattle breeds respectively. These SNPs resided with 3364 genes for Ethiopian cattle breeds and 17 genes for European beef cattle breeds. Interestingly important biological processes and pathways related to tropical adaptation in Ethiopian cattle populations were identified through gene Ontology analysis. Conclusions: The higher minor allele frequency and breed-specific SNPs detected in Ethiopian indigenous breeds show the presence of high genetic variability. This genetic variation in Ethiopian cattle breeds is used as a potential source for future breeding programs.

Deciphering Variability and Genetic Parameters in Traditional Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes of Kerala, India

Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala, the most popular traditional scented rice cultivars of Wayanad district in Kerala were used to assess the nature and magnitude of variability and genetic parameters in this investigation. The study on twenty yield and associated quantitative, cooking and biochemical characters revealed significant differences among genotypes for each character except for leaf width indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations showed high level of variability for grain yield (42.19%), number of spikelets panicle-1 (31.36%) and test weight (26.23%) and moderate level of variability for leaf length, culm number, culm length, number of productive tillers, number of spikelets panicle-1, panicle length, straw yield, grain length, grain width, amylose content and protein content. For most of the characters studied, the difference between GCV and PCV was narrow, indicating that environmental factors have little influence on these characters and are highly influenced by genetic factors. Heritability estimations ranged from low to high (17.86% to 99.90%). Characters like leaf length, culm number, number of spikelets panicle-1 and straw yield showed high heritability along with high genetic advance reflecting that these characters were under additive gene action and these could be the desirable characters for effective selection for developing high yielding scented rice varieties. This study provides information about the genetic variability and heritability measures of the various yield and related characters which may help to establish the selection criteria for future improvement in short grain scented rice breeding programmes.

Genetic Variability and Divergence of Morphological and Seed Quality Traits of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Genotypes

Forty greengram genotypes were evaluated for their morphological traits and to find the extent of genetic variability. Analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes were highly significant for all the characters studied, indicating the existence of considerable magnitude of variability. High (>20%) phenotypic co-efficient of variation and high genotypic co-efficient of variation for seed yield (kg/4.05 m2) in the present investigation was noticed and indicating the minimal influence of environment and presence of high genetic variability for the trait in the experimental material. Hence, selection based on phenotype in these genotypes can also be effective for improvement of seed yield. High heritability to plant height (cm), days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, pod length, 100 seed weight, protein estimation and medium heritability to seed yield (kg/4.05 m2). High GAM to plant height and seed yield demonstrates the presence of additive gene effect indicating effectiveness of selection for improvement of these traits. Mahalanobis D2 analysis suggested the maximum contribution of seed yield (74.87%) towards genetic diversity followed by Plant height (8.08%), Days to Maturity (7.69%), Pod length (4.36%), Days to 50% flowering (3.59%), Seedling Dry Weight (0.64%), Protein Estimation (0.64%), 100 seed weight (0.13%). All 40 genotypes were grouped into 12 clusters. The clustering pattern revealed that genetic diversity was associated with geographical diversity in the present research. Based on mean performances, the genotypes PUSA-9072, MLGG-21-2, IC-436557, MLGG-21-6, RMP-21-11, Gouri, MLGG-21-3, MGG-512, MGG-519 from these clusters can be directly used as parents in the hybridization programme. The output of this study is characterization of greengram genotypes for DUS characters and other traits. This study helps in identification of genotypes with suitable traits, helps in registration of lines with PPV and FRA and the material can be used in breeding programmes.

Genomic markers analysis associated with resistance to Alternaria alternata (fr.) keissler-tomato pathotype, Solanum lycopersicum L.

Alternaria alternata, the causal pathogen of early blight (EB) disease, is one of the most important diseases in tomato, and other solanaceae family. We analyzed 35 tomato genotypes for quantitative/qualitative traits and biomass growth parameters, as well as the extent and structure of genetic variation associated with EB resistance. Phenotypic comparisons displayed significant differences in leaf blade width (24.95%), stem thickness (30.28%), foliage density (18.88%), and plant size (18.89%), with significant positive correlations with EB resistance (0.18-0.75). Correlation analysis showed that mature fruit size, thickness of fruit pericarp, and leaf type were significantly and negatively correlated with EB resistance (up to -0.41). The susceptible tomato seedlings represented significant reductions in biomass parameters. According to ISSR analysis, the highest resolving power (≥0.79) and heterozygosity (≥0.24) values revealed the presence of high genetic variability among the tomato genotypes. Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analysis assembled the genotypes into 4 (best ΔK = 4) genetic groups. Combined phenotypic and molecular markers proved to be significantly useful for genetic diversity assessment associated with EB disease resistance.

Genetic Divergence of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes in Uganda

Forty-eight lowland rice genotypes with two checks were evaluated for agronomic performance, genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and yield contributing traits. Genotypes SR33859-HB3324-133 (45.7 qha-1), SR33859-HB3324-93 (40.2 qha-1) were the high yielding genotypes above the better check. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all measured traits and indicating the presence of high genetic variability among genotypes. A highly significant (P≤0.001) correlations were observed between flag leaf length and plant height (rp= 0.76 and rg=0.84), panicle length and plant height (rp= 0.77, rg= 0.90), and panicle length and flag leaf length (rp= 0.75 and rg= 0.89). The estimates of GCV were lower than the respective PCV for all traits, indicating the influence of environmental factors on the expression of the traits. Characters like grain yield (94 % and 90.9), flag leaf length (97 % and 71.6), number of effective tillers per hill (91 % and 67.2) and plant height (99.0 % and 50.7) showed high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of the mean, which suggesting that these traits are controlled by the additive type of gene action and selection could be possible for the improvement of these characters. Moderate heritability estimates with low genetic advance as percent of the mean were recorded for flag leaf width and number of days to maturity indicated the presence of non-additive gene effects, and selection for these traits would be poor. As a result, the variability that exists in the germplasm provides an opportunity to use these genotypes in the genetic improvement program.

Molecular Marker Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Maize: A Review

Maize is consumed as a food and used as an industrial product in the form of starch, pharmaceuticals, alcoholic beverages, oil, cosmetics, and textiles. In ancient times, landraces were more popular due to the presence of high genetic variability, resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, and the heterogeneous nature of maize; however, it has been replaced by improved and uniform cultivars with a higher yield. Modern maize has more homogeneity that enhances its vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, we need to study the diversity in maize to successfully use its characteristics. Several markers such as morphological, biochemical, and DNA-based markers/molecular markers are utilized to study the germplasm diversity. Although extensively used, morphological and biochemical markers were highly sensitive to the environment because of which, these are being replaced by molecular markers. In the current era of molecular markers, DNA markers play an important role in identifying diverse germplasms because of high precision and accuracy. In this review, we focused on the types of markers utilized to accelerate the knowledge of maize genetic diversity and the prospect of genetic diversity.

Genetic divergence of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes in Uganda

Zelalem Zewdu.2021.Genetic divergence of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes in Uganda.Journal of Innovative Agriculture.volume 8, issue 2, Pages 34-38. Forty-eight lowland rice genotypes with two checks were evaluated for their agronomic performance, genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and yield contributing traits. Among the tested genotypes SR33859-HB3324-133 (45.7 qha-1), SR33859-HB3324-93 (40.2 qha-1) were the high yielding genotypes above the better check. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all measured traits and indicating the presence of high genetic variability among genotypes. A highly significant (P≤0.001) correlations were observed between flag leaf length and plant height (rp= 0.76, rg=0.84), panicle length and plant height (rp= 0.77, rg= 0.90), and panicle length and flag leaf length (rp= 0.75, rg=0.89). The estimates of GCV were lower than the respective PCV for all traits, indicating the influence of environmental factors on the expression of the traits. Characters like grain yield (94 %, 90.9), flag leaf length (97 %, 71.6), number of tillers per hill (91 %, 67.2) and plant height (99.0 %, 50.7) showed high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of the mean, which suggesting that these traits are controlled by the additive type of gene action and selection could be possible for the improvement of these characters. On the other hand, moderate heritability estimates with low genetic advance as percent of the mean were recorded for flag leaf width and number of days to maturity indicated the presence of non-additive gene effects, and selection for these traits would be poor. As a result, the variability that exists in the germplasm provides an opportunity to use these genotypes in the genetic improvement program.

Protein patterns and their association with photosynthetic pigment content, agronomic behavior, and origin of purslane accessions (Portulaca oleracea L.).

In this study, the proteomic, morphometric, and photosynthetic pigment data of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) accessions were combined together to show their impact on genetic variation in order to establish a relationship between protein patterns and phenotypic behavior of the plant. Seeds of 18 collected purslane accessions were cultivated based on a completely randomized design with three replicates. Before the flowering stage, the data on morphology, photosynthetic pigment content, and seed proteins were obtained. The results showed a significant difference among purslane accessions in terms of the most studied agronomic characteristics and the content of photosynthetic pigments and proteins. The cluster analysis of the 18 purslane accessions based on agronomic data, and photosynthetic pigment content, and protein pattern data produced three main clusters. Moreover, the seed protein analysis revealed that the two polymorphic protein bands of size 40 kDa (protein "a") and 30 kDa (protein "b") effectively diversified the agronomic, photosynthetic pigment, and phylogenetic relationships among the purslane accessions. Interestingly, protein "a" was produced in plants growing in low altitude areas and played a suppressive role for TDW, while protein "b" was produced in plants growing in high altitude areas and functioned as an activator agent for this trait. Overall, the outcomes of the present study indicated the presence of high genetic variability (77.6%) among the purslane accessions. These findings suggest that these proteins should be sequenced for further proteomic analyses and can be used for hybridization to generate useful recombinants in segregating generations and improve breeding varieties of P. oleracea.

Genetic Diversity of Purslane Populations of Iran Based on Some Morphological and Biochemical Traits

Portulaca oleracea L. is a medicinal plant belonging to Portulacaceae family, which exhibited a wide scope of pharmaceutical properties such as pain killer, antipyretic, anti-viral and anti-fungal. The aim of the present study was evaluation of morphological diversity 18 populations of P. oleracea. The seeds of 18 populations were cultivated based on a completely randomized design with three replicates in the research farm of Medicinal Plants Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran. The morphological traits, chlorophyll and protein contents were measured in the vegetative stage. The analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference among populations of P. oleracea in terms of the most studied morphological and biochemical traits. The highest shoot dry weight (84.84±12.70 g per plant) belonged to the Zanjan population, while the lowest shoot dry weight (18.89±1.72 g per plant) belonged to the population of Lourdgan. The correlation between most of the studied traits was positively significant. The cluster analysis of the 18 P. oleracea populations based on morphological and biochemical traits produced three main clusters. Overall, the outcomes of the present study were indicated the presence of high genetic variability among the P. oleracea populations. Our findings suggested that collection of the plants from different regions can be used for hybridization to generate useful recombinants in the segregating generations and improve breeding varieties of P. oleracea and can be utilized for preservation and maintenance the germplasm of this medicinal plant.

Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Tomato

Genetic variability studies provide the basic information on genetic properties of the population based on which breeding methods could be formulated for further improvement of the crop. Hence the variability, heritability and genetic advance were studied for fruit yield and its 14 component traits in 40 advance lines of tomato at Regional Research Station, Semiliguda, Koraput during kharif season, 2017. The results showed significant differences indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. PCV and GCV were high for total chlorophyll content, total fruit yield and root volume. High degree of heritability estimates were obtained in case of total chlorophyll content, total fruit yield, root volume, pericarp thickness, plant height and number of fruits per plant. Genetic advance was highest for total chlorophyll content, number of fruit per plant and total fruit yield. Therefore, total chlorophyll content and number of fruits were the important components and could be utilized for achieving maximum fruit yield.

Genetic variability and character association study for yield and its component traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was carried out with thirty two genotypes of rice to study nature and magnitude of variability, degree of association between yield and its component traits and to assess direct and indirect effects of different characters on the grain yield. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the characters under study, indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. The value of PCV was relatively higher than GCV values with small differences which indicate less environmental influence on the expression of all the traits. High heritability was recorded for all the traits studied. Filled grains per panicle and total grain per panicle exhibited highest heritability followed by plant height and unfilled grains per panicle. Positive and significant correlation was observed between unfilled grains per panicle and yield. In path coefficient analysis the traits like days to maturity, effective tillers, plant height, filled grain per panicle, unfilled grain per panicle and test weight show positive direct effect whereas traits like days to 50% flowering, panicle length, total grains per panicle and spikelet fertility % showed negative direct effect with grain yield per plant.

Genetic divergence among blackgram (Vigna mungo(L.) Hepper) genotypes using Mahalonobis D2 statistic

The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic divergence among 32 black gram genotypes using Mahalanobis D2 statistic for ten biometric characters. The genotypes were grouped into nine discrete clusters. Among them cluster I grouped with a maximum of 11 genotypes, followed by cluster IV with 7 genotypes, clusters II and III each with 4 genotypes and cluster VIII with 2 genotypes, while the remaining clusters were solitary. The inter-cluster distance was higher than intracluster distance, confirming the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. Based on the inter-cluster distance, cluster V and IX and clusters V and VI were identified as the most diverse clusters and hence the genotypes from these clusters can be used in the hybridization programme for further genetic improvement. The maximum contribution to genetic divergence was by the number of branches per plant followed by plant height and hundred seed weight. Hence selection and utilization of genotypes based on these traits would be more effective in the selection for hybridization programme.

Studies on genetic variability and response to selection for quantitative and qualitative traits over environments in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present study was conducted during the Rabi-2017-18 over three environments with 21 hybrids and their seven parents. The characters viz., the number of fruits per cluster, fruit width (cm), fruit length to girth ratio, average fruit weight (g) and the total number of fruits per plant recorded high GCV and PCV values and differences between these two parameters also less indicates presence of high genetic variability for these traits among the genotypes. Heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean for aforesaid traits also recorded high values; it means direct selection for these characters may be an effective and further evaluation for knowing the type of gene action actually involved in the phenotypic expression of these traits may be confirmed by estimating GCA and SCA variances by using any mating design.

Genetic Diversity of Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) Germplasm Revealed by ISSR and SSR Markers.

Fifty-seven accessions of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) collected from seven states in Peninsular Malaysia were evaluated for their molecular characteristics using ISSR and SSR markers to assess the pattern of genetic diversity and association among the characteristics. Diversity study through molecular characterization showed that high variability existed among the 57 torch ginger accessions. ISSR and SSR molecular markers revealed the presence of high genetic variability among the torch ginger accessions. The combination of different molecular markers offered reliable and convincing information about the genetic diversity of torch ginger germplasm. This study found that SSR marker was more informative compared to ISSR marker in determination of gene diversity, polymorphic information content (PIC), and heterozygosity in this population. SSR also revealed high ability in evaluating diversity levels, genetic structure, and relationships of torch ginger due to their codominance and rich allelic diversity. High level of genetic diversity discovered by SSR markers showed the effectiveness of this marker to detect the polymorphism in this germplasm collection.

Evaluation of the genetic variability and genetic advance for salt tolerance in rice genotypes

Soil salinity is considered as one of the greatest threats for rice production. Genetic variability analysis of morphological traits related to salt injury is mandatory, which could be helpful in the development of an appropriate breeding program for the selection of salt tolerant rice genotypes from the existing germplasm towards developing new salt tolerant rice varieties. Therefore, the present study has been aimed to evaluate the genetic variability parameters for fourteen morphological traits in thirty local and high yielding rice genotypes using hydroponic culture. Among the rice genotypes under study, Boilam, Nonabokri, Gunshi, Motabamonkhir showed the best performance regarding the morphological traits under different saline conditions (6 dSm -1 and 10 dS m-1). The PCV values were greater than the GCV values for all studied traits indicating the greater environmental influence on the traits. The highest percentage of GCV and PCV were observed in root dry weight, while the lowest were exhibited in main axis diameter. To assist the breeding program, along with variability, estimation of heritability and genetic advance has also been done. High heritability ranging from 80.24% to 94.66% was found among the traits. The genetic advance was highest for survival rate and the lowest was in root dry weight. Eventually, the results indicated the presence of high genetic variability, along with high heritability and genetic advance among genotypes and studied traits, which could provide further insight towards selection of parents for the development of salt tolerant rice varieties.Progressive Agriculture 28 (4): 262-270, 2017

Heritability, correlation and genetic divergence for different seed traits in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

Seed is the very important input factor in any crop production programme as the success or failure of any crop mainlydepends on the quality of seed. The present investigation was carried out to estimate the extent genetic variability, character association and divergence for seed yield and related traits in 76 genotypes of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir). The experimental results revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits under study. On the basis of mean performance for different seed traits, the genotypes DPU-6, DPU-51-3, DPU-57 and DPU-24 were found most promising. Further, high heritability estimates coupled with high genetic gain were observed for all the seed traits under study, which indicated that these traits are under additive gene effects and are more reliable for effective selection. The maximum PCV and GCV were observed for seed yield/plant (g) followed by 100 seed weight (g), seed area (mm2) reflecting presence of high genetic variability among all the genotypes for studied characters. Further, the experimental results revealed that seed area followed by seed yield per plant and 100 seed weight had maximum positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. The maximum positive indirect effect of seed breadth, seed length, 100 seed weight and seed yield/plant via seed area was observed on fruit yield per plant.The genetic divergence observed among seventy six diverse genotypes of pumpkin revealed considerable diversity for seed traits. In the present investigation, the cluster I and cluster IV were found more divergent (9.864) and have chances of getting transgressive segregants in F2 from crossing of genotypes from cluster I and cluster IV. Therefore,hybridization between these groups can be very effective for improvement of seed yield in pumpkin.

REP-PCR DISTINGUISHES RICE BACTERIAL BLIGHT PATHOGEN (XANTHOMONAS ORYZAE pv. ORYZAE) STRAINS OF INDIAN MAINLAND AND BAY ISLANDS

Thirty-two strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) representing 12 pathotypes from major rice growing Indian mainland states and Andaman Islands were analyzed using RepPCR and IS1112-based PCR approaches. All four PCR primers (BOX, REP, ERIC and JEL primers) confirmed the presence of high genetic variability among the Xoo strains studied. The REP primers generated more PCR fragments than other set of primers and the amplification pattern of BOX, REP, ERIC and JEL primers were 277, 171, 147 and 149 respectively with the band size varying from 200 to 3000 base pairs. Cluster analysis of 32 Xoo strains revealed that the combined dendrogram constructed using Rep–PCR analysis was effective in distinguishing Islands Xoo strains from Indian mainland strains with the similarity index of Islands clusters of about 53%. In case of IS1112 repeat element based PCR approach, the two of the mainland strains (DX_027 and DX_143) were grouped with one mainland isolate ANBB_4 in one sub cluster whereas remaining three mainland isolates grouped separately in a main cluster. This indicated that Islands strains were genetically distinct from mainland strains. Also, the Rep-PCR approach was found to be more precise and thus suitable for discriminating the variability among Xoo strains emanating from geographically diverse locations.

English

Wheat is the most important cereal crop in Ethiopia ranking third in terms of area after teff and maize and second in terms of production after maize. Six local wheat varieties cultivated in South Gondar, one of the 11 zones found in Amhara region, were collected from the local farmers to study their variability, heritability and trait associations using 12 agro-morphological traits. The studied genotypes were grown in main rain season of 2014/2015 at Farta district in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed the presence of highly significant difference that revealed the presence of high genetic variability of wheat in the study area. The highest yield was recorded from the local variety Ferno with 1957 kg/ha followed by Chekole (1588.33 kg) and Canada Sendie (1580.7 kg). Higher value of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were recorded in most of the studied traits indicating the selection may be effective from these traits and phenotypic expression would be good indication of the genotypic potential. Broad sense heritability estimates were very high for most traits signifying the possibility of success in the selection. Correlation study revealed that the number of tillers per plant, number of seeds per plant and harvest index had positive and highly significant correlation with grain yield. The present investigation confirms the presence of high genetic variability in the study area which deserves conservation and formulation of breeding strategy for improving the productivity of wheat in the country. Key words: Local wheat varieties, agro-morphological traits, genetic variability, correlation.

Somatic embryogenesis in guava (Psidium guajava L.): current status and future perspectives.

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a highly perishable fruit crop comparable to mango owing to its high medicinal value and intense aroma. The presence of high genetic variability limits the chances of further expansion of guava improvement using biotechnological interventions. Conventional methods of guava improvement encountered with restricted achievement in progress of disease resistant varieties because of existing high genetic variability in the germplasm. There is a considerable demand for the establishment of successful and efficient regeneration protocols via somatic embryogenesis. Plants regenerated through somatic embryogenesis could be more useful than plants obtained through organogenesis because, in most cases, somatic embryos are of single-cell origin, and have a low frequency of chimeras and a high number of regenerations. This review is a snapshot of the recent status of somatic embryogenesis as a basis for expanding genetic improvement in guava for quality traits and future perspectives using advanced technologies.