Quote:
Originally Posted by markmcb
Why can't AE AE be cloned by AgriStarts, and sold by the thousands?
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The issue is that AeAe's are somatic chimeras, not genetic. They are classified as periclinal chimeras. The challenge lies in the cellular structure of the cells causing the unique variegation. Due to their arrangement, tissue culturing of this banana has proven to be incapable of reproducing the variegation. Many have tried, only to have what appeared to be variegated leaves revert back to all green. Some become all white, that are incapable of self-sustaining photosynthesis.
If you use the search button and type in: periclinal
You should find these threads for a more detailed analysis of the challenges. I believe BigDog had a very complete post with comments from Gabe, and others.
Whomever unlocks the secret of being able to TC the AeAe and remain phenotypic, will be sitting on a gold mine!