Principles of Plant Breeding (2+1)

Methods used in plant breeding: Micro propogation

Methods which are extensively used in plant breeding
Micro-propagation

Involves the production of plant from very small plant parts through tissue culture techniques.
Advantages:

• It is independent of seasonal constraints hence ensures year round rapid propagation.
• Micro propagated plants are usually true to type.
• Production of disease free plants.
• Micro-propagated field grown plants usually exhibit vigorous growth, better quality and higher yields.
Problems encountered in micro-propagation.

• Microbial contamination.
• Browning of the culture medium.
• Callusing: Extensive callusing leads to variability among the regenerated plants.
• Vitrification: Abnormal looking plants. It is because of liquid medium, it can be over come by conditioning.
• Vulnerability of micro-propagated plants to transplanting shock.
• Tissue culture induced variation.