Chemical mutagenesis-derived potential somaclonal variations improve genetic diversity and yield in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Somaclonal variation through mutagenesis is an efficient technique for enhancing genetic variability and agricultural traits in clonally grown plant species. The aim of the study was to evaluate chemical mutagens, including methyl methane sulphonate (MMS), 5-Bromo Uracil (BU), and ethyl methane sulphonates (EMS)-derived potential somaclonal variations, and their impact on genetic diversity and yield in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Cardinal, Diamant, and Asterix. In this study, auxin (2,4-D) showed efficiency in effective callus regeneration. A concentration of 4.0 ppm 2,4-D resulted in callus formation of distance cultivars, which was also involved in distinct plantlet formation. Besides somaclonal variations, the varying concentrations of EMS, MMS, and BU showed significant abnormalities during in vitro plant regeneration, particularly at 3.0 ppm. The regrafted seedlings of three potato cultivars were acclimated in soil conditions. The results showed that plantlets exposed to high concentrations of mutagens showed severe abnormalities in potato plants. The plantlets exposed to 2.0 and 3.0 ppm of MMS, EMS, and BU exhibited thinning shoots and a poor growth rate. However, the Diamant cultivar exhibited more notable results compared to the other checked cultivars. The Diamant cultivar showed the highest survival rate (47.8%), morphological stability compared to Cardinal and Asterix. This insight helps to select an in vitro strong cultivar for further study in field conditions. Conversely, SVP 71, 91, 117, and 83 variants showed better tuber yield compared to other potato cultivars. The study uncovers that chemical mutagenesis-derived potential somaclonal variations would be a potential approach for improving genetic variation and yield in potato. These findings together might be useful to potato breeders or farmers for improving plants through a breeding program.