Introduction To The Micropropagation Of Horticultural Crops

Micropropagation is a reliable technology applied commercially worldwide for large-scale plant multiplication, germplasm conservation, pathogen elimination, genetic manipulations and supply of selected plants. In Protocols for Micropropagation of Selected Economically-Important Horticultural Plants, well recognised researchers in the field compile step-wise protocols for rapid plant multiplication of economically-important horticultural species. The book contains 35 chapters, divided into four major sections. The first three sections (Section A, B and C) contain 29 micropropagation protocols of selected fruit and nut species, indoor and outdoor ornamental plants, cut flowers, and vegetables. In addition to the detailed protocols of in vitro shoot initiation, proliferation, root induction and acclimatization, chapters also include detailed information on medium preparation, explant selection and preparation. The six chapters of Section D cover specific reviews on pivotal topics, such as in vitro rejuvenation, synthetic seed technology, thermotherapy and meristem culture in banana, genetic transformation of pineapple, flower color somaclonal variation in torenia, and cryotherapy of horticultural crops. Moreover, as a part of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to the respective topic, lists of necessary materials, notes, and illustrative photos. Comprehensive and well-written, Protocols for Micropropagation of Selected Economically-Important Horticultural Plants offers a useful resource for horticulturists, researchers, commercial companies, plant propagators, biotechnologists and students interested in micropropagation.

This book was written for those individuals who are concerned about the techniques and practices of plant cell cultures for horticultural crops. It was designed to serve as a text and reference for students and professionals in ornamental horticulture, fruit and vegetable crop pro duction, botany, forestry, and other areas of plant science. Research during the last twenty-five years in the area of plant tissue culture has led to many developments and changes in this field. Al though the techniques involved in the manipulation of plant tissue culture are now relatively straightforward, the presentation of these techniques in a short volume for the beginner in the field is generally unavailable. In addition to describing the techniques for establishment and manipulation of specific species, several chapters in this book also provide a brief, general review of important cultural parameters. Spe cific protocols and laboratory procedures may also be found in the appendix. I hope that this presentation of information will be helpful to those individuals wanting to apply plant tissue culture techniques for horticultural crops.

The book focuses on conventional and recent propagation techniques delving upon crop-wise depictions of different propagation methods in horticultural crops. Adequate insight is given to crop botany, ecology and economic importance of important fruit crops, vegetables, plantation crops and spices. The content of the book undoubtedly will provide a good guidance to students of Agriculture and Botany, Nurserymen and Agricultural Extension workers.

Thirty years ago, in vitro propagation was a new technique for producing plants, and Lydiane Kyte’s Plants from Test Tubes became the standard work on the topic. The new fourth edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the many advances in science and technology, including the five accepted sequential stages of micropropagation. Ten new plants have been added. This in turn has greatly expanded the already extensive bibliography. Among the new topics that have been introduced or expanded on are embryo culture for breeding, somaclonal variation, anther culture, somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation, and genetic engineering. More ornamental plant examples are given and many new illustrations provided, including a chronology of discoveries in micropropagation.

Acclaimed as the most practical guide to plant tissue culture, the book is now even better and introduces new developments in biotechnology, such as genetic engineering and cell culture.