Somaclonal variations are the genetic variations observed in plants regenerated from cultured somatic tissues. The plants regenerated from such tissues are known as somaclones. These variations arise because terminally differentiated somatic cells accumulate genetic variations, which are passed on and expressed when these tissues are used as explants for tissue culture. Additionally, long-term in vitro callus and cell suspension cultures may introduce genetic variations in the newly regenerated plants.

These variations can be both a boon and a bane. If the objective of tissue culture is clonal multiplication of a plant with a specific trait, these variations can result in unwanted traits and compromise the commercial value of the clones.

However, somaclonal variations play a significant role in crop improvement. Somaclones may be screened for novel phenotypes that offer agronomic or commercial advantages. These variations can be used to engineer novel traits.

Agronomically important somaclones have been identified in several crops and released as new cultivars. Examples include disease-resistant varieties of sugarcane, banana, and tomato, as well as wheat with improved yield.