Publication Date
1989
Description
Conservation of germplasm has relied on the principle that seeds can be stored for long periods under cold, dry conditions. However, some plants which are vegetatively propagated seldom produce viable seeds. Until recently the only means of conservation of these species was vegetatively in field genebanks, where the plants require considerable space, careful management and are at risk from pests and diseases. These include the tropical grasses Cynodon and Digitaria which are very important forage species in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. In vitro culture techniques have considerable potential for use in management of germplasm. Recent advances in in vitro culture have allowed many species to be successfully cultured (Sharp et al., 1984) and some maintained for long periods in vitro. In genetic resources, the techniques of in vitro culture can also be used for collection, disease elimination, multiplication, creation of variability and distribution of material in aseptic condition.
Citation
Ruredzo, T J. and Hanson, J, "Tissue Culture Techniques for Maintenance and Distribution of Germplasm of Tropical Grasses" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 66.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session3b/66
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Tissue Culture Techniques for Maintenance and Distribution of Germplasm of Tropical Grasses
Conservation of germplasm has relied on the principle that seeds can be stored for long periods under cold, dry conditions. However, some plants which are vegetatively propagated seldom produce viable seeds. Until recently the only means of conservation of these species was vegetatively in field genebanks, where the plants require considerable space, careful management and are at risk from pests and diseases. These include the tropical grasses Cynodon and Digitaria which are very important forage species in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. In vitro culture techniques have considerable potential for use in management of germplasm. Recent advances in in vitro culture have allowed many species to be successfully cultured (Sharp et al., 1984) and some maintained for long periods in vitro. In genetic resources, the techniques of in vitro culture can also be used for collection, disease elimination, multiplication, creation of variability and distribution of material in aseptic condition.
