2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
The main objectives of this workshop are: a) to utilize the synthetic seed technology as a possible method for germplasm storage, transport and utilization of clonal plant populations; b) to provide theoretical experience of plant cryopreservation as the only vital way to conserve plant germplasm and living cells; c) to discuss the challenges on seeds and plant materials conservation

Tissue culture is an important process in plant propagation. After explant induction and somatic embryo/callus production, plant materials can be placed in a suitable medium to become seedlings or encapsulated and transformed to artificial/synthetic (syn) seed for short or medium-term preservation. This process is called cryopreservation and has advantages over traditional micropropagation that can result in the need for excessive subculturing, unpredictable mutations or somaclonal variations, larger space requirements, and higher labor needs, which is costly. Synthetic seeds containing propagules (plants reproducible organs) such as nodes, shoots, callus, somatic embryos, and protocorms are contained in a gelatinous matrix of a combination of sodium alginate and calcium chloride. The use of in-vitro derived axillary buds and shoot tips provides inexpensive, easily obtained propagules for storage. To date, cryopreservation is the only vital way to conserve plant germplasm and living cells in liquid nitrogen. In the past two decades, cryopreservation has been widely used as an alternative method for plant germplasm storage.

Abstracts:

• iStock-Cryotank-650x300.jpg (34.0KB) - Abstract Text