Of the various aspects of biotechnology, tissue culture is one technique that has found ready application in several areas, particularly in the propagation of plants to stem the tide of deforestation and to ensure adequate resource stock for sustainable utilization. Not long ago, the supply of bamboo
and rattan from forests was thought to be perpetual. This impression has now been proved wrong with serious short supplies of the two plants threatening the livelihoods of millions of people dependant on them. Absence of or inadequate replanting is one of the factors that threaten the resource supply, and insufficient planting materials is one of the reasons. Tissue culture is considered as a mass propagation tool that could significantly remedy the lack of planting materials.
This technical report on propagation of bamboo and rattan through tissue culture reviews the methods in current practise and includes their details. It deals with both somatic embryogenesis and micropropagation, the two strategies that are in wide use. The report is well-illustrated for ease of understanding.
