Inter simple sequence repeat polymerase chain reaction for the detection of somaclonal variation

Inter simple sequence repeat polymerase chain reaction (ISSR-PCR) analysis is quick, simple and generates complex bind profiles. The technique has been used widely for DNA fingerprinting and genetic distance analysis. In this study, the potential of ISSR-PCR is evaluated for the detection of somaclonal variation in potalo tissue culture regenerants. Four primers were used to screen 40 regenerants of Solanum tuberosum cv. ‘Skirma’ for genetic change arising from callus culture. Two regenerants were found to have altered hand profiles. The use of an additional 13 primers on these variant clones failed to reveal any further evidence of genetic change. The potential and limitations of the approach for assessing the incidence of somaclonal variation is discussed.