Question

How is a somatic hybrid different from a hybrid?

Answer 1

Differences between somatic hybrids and hybrids are as follows:

Criteria	Somatic hybrids	Hybrids
Definition	Somatic hybrids are the hybrid plants produced by the fusion of protoplasts of somatic cells obtained from plants belonging to different species.	A hybrid is any offspring that is developed by crossing/mating two organisms belonging to different breeds, varieties, species or genera. Each hybrid is genetically different from its parents and siblings.
Process involved	Somatic hybrids are produced by the protoplast fusion of somatic cells of the plants.	Hybrids are produced by the fusion of gametic cells of the plants during cross hybridisation between parent plants.
Cell content	Somatic hybrids contain protoplasm from both the parents.	Hybrids contain chromosomes received from both the parents whereas cytoplasm is generally from the egg.
Example	Pomato produced by fusion of potato and tomato.	Parbhani kranti is a yellow mosaic virus resistant hybrid variety of lady’s finger obtained by crossing Abelmoschus esculentus (cultivated variety of lady’s finger) with its wild relative.