Challenges in implementing plant shoot tip cryopreservation technologies

Abstract

Cryopreservation is a safe approach for the long-term preservation of plant genetic resources that complements traditional field and in vitro germplasm collections. There are many reports of cryopreservation successes in the literature; however, only a fraction of those methods has been routinely used for long-term conservation. A common problem is the difficulty of transferring technology and validating protocols from one laboratory to another. There are many critical factors involved including: the quality and type of plant materials, pretreatment and preculture conditions, cryopreservation method, cooling, storage and warming conditions, and regrowth assessment methods. In addition, adequate facilities and trained personnel are needed. Herein, we present practical aspects with regard to the challenges in implementing plant shoot tip cryopreservation technologies in cryo-banks. Cryopreservation projects must have clear goals, long-term funding, skilled technical support staff, necessary infrastructure, in addition to well-defined procedures and protocols. All of these factors must be considered and optimized prior to the implementation of a cryopreservation procedure.