Overview
Plant tissue culture (PTC) is basic to all plant biotechnologies and an exciting area of basic and applied sciences with considerable scope for further research. PTC is also the best approach to demonstrate the totipotency of plant cells and to exploit it for practical applications. It offers technologies for crop improvement (Haploid and Triploid production, In Vitro Fertilization, Hybrid Embryo Rescue, Variant Selection), clonal propagation (Micropropagation), virus elimination (Shoot Tip Culture), germplasm conservation, production of industrial phytochemicals, and regeneration of plants from genetically manipulated cells by recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) or cell fusion (Somatic Hybridization and Cybridization). Considerable work is being done to understand the physiology and genetics of in vitro embryogenesis and organogenesis using model systems, especially Arabidopsis and carrot, which is likely to enhance the efficiency of in vitro regeneration protocols. Since the first book on Plant Tissue Culture by Prof. P.R. White in 1943, several volumes describing different aspects of PTC have been published. Most are compilations of invited articles by experts or conference proceedings. More recently, books describing the Methods and Protocols for one or more techniques of PTC have been published, which serve as useful laboratory manuals. This book makes available a complete and up-to-date text covering all basic and applied aspects of PTC for students and early-career researchers of plant sciences and plant/agricultural biotechnology. The book's are chapters heavily illustrated with self-explanatory illustrations. Most chapters include well-tested protocols and relevant media compositions helpful in conducting laboratory experiments. Suggested Further Reading is provided in each chapter, and a Subject and Plant Index is provided.
