In vitro plant propagation
WHAT IS IN VITRO PLANT PROPAGATION
Plant tissue culture, sometimes referred to as in vitro plant propagation, is a method wherein explants—fragments of plant tissues—are grown in vitro in an artificial medium while maintaining aseptic conditions. To induce cell multiplication and plant regeneration, it entails culturing explants—such as branch tips, root tips, calluses, seeds, embryos, pollen grains, ovules, or even a single cell—isolated from the mother plant on a sterile nutritional medium.
Plant tissue culture was first employed as a research tool to examine the growth of isolated plant cells and tissue fragments; however, the path of experimental exploration and application was greatly expanded with the introduction of new molecular biology techniques.
In addition to adding significantly to our understanding of fundamental research, in vitro plant propagation has potential applications since it ensures a long-term industry based on the commercial production of substances obtained from plants. Plant tissue culture is a useful tool for separating and purifying active chemicals, such as secondary compounds and modified molecules, from commercially significant plants. With the use of this technique, a number of crops with improved nutritional value and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses have been produced, increasing crop production. This might have a major effect on the security of food supplies worldwide.
ADVANTAGES OF IN VITRO PLANT PROPAGATION
Comparing tissue culture to natural plant propagation, there are a number of benefits. Compared to conventionally propagated flora, thousands of seedlings can be quickly created from little plant fragments, making it a speedy method. Tissue culture experiments use less time and space than in vivo plant growth, which speeds up the process of producing new crop varieties with improved features. No matter the climate or time of year, perennial plants can be propagated using tissue culture. In addition, it aids in the growth of pathogen-free microplants that have been protected against a variety of illnesses. Aseptic tissue culture produces sterile new plants.
Increased biomass and germplasm conservation are two major benefits of in vitro plant culture for uncommon and endangered species, particularly when wild population numbers are low. The most expedient and appropriate approach is to conserve natural diversity both in situ and ex situ. For certain plants, the tissue culture method offers superior substitutes:
- Plants that are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods.
- In areas where population density is unusual or declining as a result of overuse or any type of climate change.
- In situations when growing identical (monotype) plants with consistent elite traits is required.
- When a species is commonly used as food, medicine, or scent.
- When achieving high biomass or a large yield of secondary metabolites requires genetic modification.
- To create plants that are polyploid and dihaploid.
- To resolve issues that arise during in vitro pollination.
