An evaluation of a somaclone ofDioscorea floribunda Mart & Gall

Summary 150 plants ofD. floribunda representing a single clone were regenerated from a stem tissue culture and regenerants were subjected to cytological, phenotypic and biochemical analysis from the pre-transfer stage to three vegetative growth cycles in the field. The plants could be subdivided into three cytological categories, namely, diploid, mosaic and tetraploid. Diploids, mosaics and the one tetraploid showed diversity amongst themselves with respect to internode length, content of chlorophyll and diosgenin. No marked difference in the length and nature of the leaf or in the type of stoma was recorded. Possible causes of the observed variation are discussed.