How are somatic hybrids developed?
Somatic hybrids are developed through a process called somatic hybridisation. First, the plant cell wall is digested using enzymes like cellulases and pectinases, and protoplasts are isolated from somatic cells of the parent plants.
When these protoplasts are brought in close contact, they tend to fuse with each other with the help of polyethylene glycol (PEG). This method enables fusion of protoplasts from distantly related species, overcoming the species barrier that limits sexual reproduction.
The resulting fusion products are then regenerated to form hybrid plants, which are called somatic hybrids or parasexual hybrids. For example, 'Pomato' was produced as a hybrid of potato and tomato through this technique.
Explanation
The textbook explains somatic hybridisation as a method where protoplasts from somatic cells are fused to create hybrids. The key steps mentioned are: (1) isolation of protoplasts by digesting cell wall with cellulases and pectinases, (2) fusion of protoplasts using PEG, and (3) regeneration of fusion products into hybrid plants. This technique allows creation of inter-specific hybrids like Pomato.