Somaclonal variation in micropropagated berry crops – an epigenetic approach

Berry crops in genera Fragaria (strawberry; Rosaceae), Rubus (brambles: raspberry and blackberry; Rosaceae) and Vaccinium (blueberry, cranberry and lingonberry; Ericaceae) are commercially important worldwide. They play significant role in anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In vitro culture has become an important tool for the rapid propagation of berry crops although clonal fidelity is a major concern in commercial micropropagation. In vitro-derived variations (somaclonal variations) are both heritable (genetic) and non-heritable (epigenetic), and are dependent on a number of factors including genotype, chimeral tissue availability, media type, explant origin and type, plant growth regulator concentration, culture environment and duration. Tissue culture berry crops may show increased growth, berry production and antioxidant activity which might be of practical application to the growers. The current review provides critical information for better understanding the micropropagation and its their epigenetic effects on morphology and antioxidant properties along with DNA methylation in berry crops, and fills the prevailing gap in literature.