Somatic hybridization is defined as the fusion of protoplasts from somatic cells. Sexual reproduction is often limited by species barriers, preventing inter-specific or inter-generic crosses. Consequently, good characters cannot be transferred between different species through conventional means. Somatic hybridization serves as an excellent alternative for obtaining hybrids from distantly related species.

The method begins with the isolation of protoplasts. The plant cell wall is digested using specific enzymes like cellulases and pectinases. Once the protoplasts are isolated, they are brought into close contact with each other.

These protoplasts are then induced to fuse with the help of poly ethylene glycol (PEG). The resulting fusion products are regenerated to form hybrid plants, which are called somatic hybrids or parasexual hybrids.

The primary advantage of this technique is that it allows for the creation of hybrids between distantly related species, bypassing the species barrier inherent in sexual reproduction. This method has been successfully applied to produce hybrids in several crops, including potato, rice, and brassica.