Micropropagation is an advanced vegetative propagation technology for producing a large number of genetically superior and pathogen-free transplants in a limited time and space.
Micropropagation is the practice of rapidly multiplying stock plant material to produce a large number of progeny plants, using modern plant tissue culture methods.
Micropropagation is used to multiply plants such as those that have been genetically modified or bred through conventional plant breeding methods. It is also used to provide a sufficient number of plantlets for planting from a stock plant which does not produce seeds, or does not respond well to vegetative reproduction.
Micropropagation is a rapid multiplication of a selected plant using in vitro culture techniques. The propagation of selected plant through micropropagation would be useful for raising plantation using apical and nodal segment. They are best for micropropagation and mostly result in true to type plants. These segments upon the subsequent subcultures result in a number of multiple shoots. These multiple shoots on elongation allowed to root in vitro. After rooting, they are in vitro hardened and transferred to field. The potential of plant tissue culture is well recognized, as it increases agricultural production and generates rural employment. But the high cost of production on micropropagation is a major bottleneck. Low-cost protocol development can popularize this method.
Advantages of micropropagation:
– Rapid multiplication of plants within a short period and on small space.
– Plants are obtained under controlled conditions, independent of seasons.
-Sterile plants or plants which cannot maintain their characters by sexual reproduction are multiplied by this method.
-The rare plant and endangered species are multiplied by this method and such plants are saved.
-Production of virus free plants like potato, sugarcane, banana and apple for horticulture and agriculture.