Advantages of Micropropagation
- From one to many propagules rapidly.
- Multiplication in controlled lab conditions.
- Continuous propagation year round.
- Rapid multiplication of clones.
- Potential for disease-free propagules.
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Micro- stock plants.
- Certain morphological and physiological characteristics of tissue cultured plants make them superior to conventionally propagated materials. Tissue cultured plants tend toward a more branched habit.
- Tissue cultured plants produce cuttings which have increased rooting when rooted by conventional means. The most obvious advantage inherent to micropropagation is that more plants are produced quicker from a limited number of stock plants (one in some cases).
Micropropagation Applications
- Rapid build up of stock of new, superior variety
- Elimination of endophytic disease.
- Better suited to morphology/growth characteristics (few offshoots/sprouts; date palms, ferns, nandinas).
- Propagules have enhanced growth features (multibranched character; Ficus, Syngonium).
- Genetic conservation.
- Plant improvement.
- Experimental system.
Disadvantajes of Micropropagation
- The cost involved in setting up and maintence of laboratory is very high and may not justify their use in all the horticultural plants ordinarily.
- Tissue culture techniques require skill and manpower.
- Slight infection may damage the entire lot of plants.
- Some genetic modification (mutation) of the plant may develop with some varieties and culture systems which may alter the quality of the produce.
- The seedling grown under artificial condition may not survive when placed under environmental condition directly if thing is not given.
Sources
Williams, Richardliams. “Plant Tissue Culture Part 3”. Micropropagation, Queensland University. <www.uq.edu.au/lcafs/presentations/ptc-3-micropropagation.ppt>. 13 November 2012.
“Plant Propagation Technologies”. Micropropagation. <www.uq.edu.au/lcafs/presentations/ptc-1-introduction.ppt>. 13 November 2012.
“Information Exchage”. Plant Tissue Culture.<http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/tisscult/microprop/microprop.html>. 12 Novembre 2012.
Lineberger, R. Daniel. “Care and Handling of Micropropagated Plants”. Horticulture.<http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/tisscult/Microprop/micropro.html>. 12 Novembre 2012.
“Information Exchage”. Plant Tissue Culture. 12 Novembre 2012. <http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/tisscult/microprop/microprop.html>
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