**4.3 Somaclonal variation**

Somaclonal variation produces phenotypic variation in the somaclones either through genetic variation or epigenetic. In oil palm tissue culture where it is propagated through somatic embryogenesis, this technique is often lead to somaclonal variation [3]. Somaclonal variation refers to genetic variability generated during tissue culture and can be detected as genetic or phenotypic traits. Several features to identify somaclonal variation in somaclones are by examining the number and structure of chromosomes. Somaclones with altered chromosomes are usually exhibit changes in leaf shape and color, growth rate and sexual fertility. It is a heritable mutations and persist in next generations even after plantation into the field.

Somaclonal variation can be developed in tissue culture through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. In genetic mechanism, variations are presence in somatic cells of explant which may be caused by DNA changes and mutations. In epigenetic mechanism, somaclonal variation is generated during tissue culture and results in temporary phenotypic changes. Somaclonal variation can also occurs due to physiological effect such as exposure to plant growth hormones and the culture conditions.
