**4.6 Disadvantages of somaclonal variations**

The main setback that has made this breeding technique difficult to carry out is the difficulties to obtain a uniform clones as this feature is important in mass

propagation of the plants especially in horticulture and forestry industries. In order to select uniform clones, extensive and extended field trials may be required. The genetic variations in somaclonal variant plants are also unstable, thus, the desired traits have tendency to disappear in the next generation. There is also risk where the clones may exhibit undesirable traits.
