Selection of somatic hybrid plants in nicotiana through fluorescence-activated sorting of protoplasts

We have developed general techniques for the successful selection of plant heterokaryons from parental populations of plant protoplasts subjected to somatic fusion treatments. These techniques involve a combination of artificial fluorescence labeling, natural chlorophyll autofluorescence and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. We have recovered purified heterokaryons at high rates and viabilities, and these were regenerated into plants. This quick and routine technique has allowed the recovery and unambiguous characterization of three different interspecific somatic hybrids of Nicotiana.