Question

How are somatic hybrids obtained?

Answer 1

Somatic hybrids are obtained by the method of somatic hybridisation. In this method, the somatic parts of two plants are hybridised. Protoplasts are isolated and fused to get a hybrid protoplast that grows further to form a new plant. For example, protoplasts of potato and tomato have been actually fused to form a pomato. But this plant is not commercially viable, as it does not have all the desired combination of characteristics for its commercial utilisation