RAPD‐based detection of genomic instability in soybean plants derived from somatic embryogenesis

Abstract Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to evaluate genetic stability of regenerants of soybean plants obtained through somatic embryogenesis using 180 μM 2,4‐dichloro‐phenoxy acetic acid. Twenty primers were used to screen 44 regenerants from the cultivar ‘Spring’ and 28 from the cultivar ‘CAC‐1’. Three primers were polymorphic for two of the ‘Spring’‐derived regenerants, with a somaclonal frequency of 4.5%. Four primers were polymorphic for the ‘CAC’‐l‐derived regenerant, with a somaclonal frequency of 3.57%. The results indicate the usefulness of RAPD markers to detect genetic instability in soybean primary regenerant plants derived from somatic embryogenesis, and as a certification tool for monitoring genetic stability during the regeneration process.