Tissue Culture Technology Research Articles

Differing In Vitro Rooting and Flowering Responses of the Persian Violet to Low and High UV-C Irradiation.

Persian violet flowers are considered esthetically attractive, leading to the high economic value of this plant. Plant breeding is fundamental to crop improvement, and the induction of mutation by tissue culture technology in combination with irradiation has been beneficially applied to generate plants with novel desirable characteristics. In this research, single or double rounds of UV-C irradiations were carried out on plant tissue cultures to initiate the in vitro rooting and mutation of Persian violets. It was found that single low-intensity UV-C exposure, when applied to Persian violet microshoots for 4 h, could induce the maximum number of roots and the highest root length without the use of a plant growth regulator. Overall, the single and double UV-C irradiation of Persian violet microshoots led to 44 different types of Persian violet flower mutations. Under single high-intensity UV-C irradiation for 6 h, up to nine petals were initiated, whereas single low-intensity UV-C irradiation did not influence the morphological variation of Persian violet flowers. Thus, Persian violet microshoots respond differently in terms of in vitro rooting and flowering depending on the UV-C intensity and exposure duration. These outcomes may be applied to micropropagation and in vitro plant breeding.

Population Genetic Analysis and Sub-Structuring of Theileria annulata in Sudan

Theileria annulata, which causes tropical theileriosis, is a major impediment to improving cattle production in Sudan. Tropical theileriosis disease is prevalent in the north and central regions of Sudan. Outbreaks of the disease have been observed outside the known endemic areas, in east and west regions of the country, due to changes in tick vector distribution and animal movement. A live schizont attenuated vaccination based on tissue culture technology has been developed to control the disease. The parasite in the field as well as the vaccine strain need to be genotyped before the vaccinations are practiced, in order to be able to monitor any breakthrough or breakdown, if any, after the deployment of the vaccine in the field. Nine microsatellite markers were used to genotype 246 field samples positive for T. annulata DNA and the vaccine strain. North and central populations have a higher multiplicity of infection than east and west populations. The examination of principal components showed two sub-structures with a mix of all four populations in both clusters and the vaccine strain used being aligned with left-lower cluster. Only the north population was in linkage equilibrium, while the other populations were in linkage disequilibrium, and linkage equilibrium was found when all samples were regarded as single population. The genetic identity of the vaccine and field samples was 0.62 with the north population and 0.39 with west population. Overall, genetic investigations of four T. annulata populations in Sudan revealed substantial intermixing, with only two groups exhibiting regional origin independence. In the four geographically distant regions analyzed, there was a high level of genetic variation within each population. The findings show that the live schizont attenuated vaccine, Atbara strain may be acceptable for use in all Sudanese regions where tropical theileriosis occurs.

Organogenesis of Cavendish Banana (Musa acuminata L.) Plant in Various Concentrations of ZPT IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) and BAP (Benzyl Amino Purine) Vitro

Bananas are a horticultural commodity that originates from Southeast Asia and the West Pacific, including Indonesia. Banana cultivation is carried out with the aim of increasing the economic value of the community by cultivating the Cavendish banana species. Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata L.) is one type of banana that is widely exported, and has high economic value. The constraints in the cultivation of this Cavendis banana plant are the small, high-quality tillers produced in large quantities and in a short time. Propagation of seeds with tissue culture technology is one solution in dealing with the problem of providing these seeds. This study aims to determine the effect of ZPT IAA and BAP concentrations on the growth of cavendish banana shoots in vitro. This research was conducted at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cokroaminoto University, Palopo, on Jalan Lamaranginang, Batu Pasi Village, Wara Utara District, Palopo City. Starting from January to May 2020. This research was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD), which consisted of 5 treatments and 3 replications with a total of 15 experimental units. By giving treatment concentrations of P0: Control, P1 (IAA 0.5 mg L-1 and BAP 1 mg L-1), P2 (IAA 1 mg L-1 and BAP 2 mg L-1), P3 (IAA 1.5 mg L-1 and BAP 3 mg L-1), P4 (IAA 2 mg L-1 and BAP 4 mg L-1). With research parameters callus color, callus texture, root emergence time, shoot emergence time, number of shoots, and number of leaves. The results showed that at the concentration with treatment P3: IAA 1.5 mg L-1 and BAP 3 mg L-1 produced the highest number of leaves, namely 3 strands. The fastest root emergence time was 25.33 days and the highest number of shoots was 2.33. While for the time of emergence of treatment shoots P0: Control showed the best results, namely 7 DAS (days after planting). This is because a balanced amount of auxins and cytokinins can affect the growth of banana plants in vitro

In vitro propagation of Vanda tricolor Lindl. var. suavis protocorm on media containing liquid organic fertilizer as a substitute for MS media

Vanda orchids have a high economic value in the flower industry, so it is necessary to have seeds available at all times. Tissue culture technology offers an important solution to produce plants in large numbers, but it is very costly in media preparation. Hence, it is necessary to have low-cost options for the application of planting media. One way of doing this is to substitute the composition of Murashige and Skoog (MS) media with alternative sources that are more affordable. Liquid organic fertilizer contains macro, micro, and good nutrients for the growth of explants. This study used explants from the protocorm of Vanda tricolor Lindl orchid. var. suavis aged three months planted on media containing liquid organic fertilizer, namely Nasa, Bio88, and Fortune. The parameters observed were the number of shoots and the number of leaves in each treatment. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test at the 5% level, and if there was an effect, it was continued with the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that liquid organic fertilizer gave different responses to the Vanda tricolor Lindl. var. suavis protocorm. Liquid organic fertilizer has a significant effect on the number of shoots and number of leaves.

Synergistic effects of salicylic acid and light stress on bioactive metabolites in basil callus cultures

Thai basil is a well-known medicinal plant that is rich in bioactive antioxidant compounds having a variety of health benefits, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Plant cell and tissue culture technologies can be systematically developed as a valuable, low-cost biomass supply for the production of high-value phytochemicals. The aim of this study is to create an effective protocol for producing “Thai basil” leaf derived callus cultures with a high yield of biomass and antioxidants as an alternative to growing plants using salicylic acid and various light regimes as elicitors. Salicylic acid (SA) and light significantly affects many metabolic processes coupled with biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. Callus was exploited with various SA concentrations under 3 different light regimes. Indeed, the results of our research disclose that continuous light with moderate SA concentration (10 μM) significantly increased total phenolic content (18.7 ± 1.13 mg/g DW), flavonoid content (7.2 ± 0.21 mg/g DW), eugenol (0.56 ± 0.015 mg/g DW), rosmarinic acid (54.35 ± 1.85 mg/g DW), chicoric acid (64.46 ± 6.71 mg/g DW) cyanidin (0.42 ± 0.021 mg/g DW) and peonidin (0.32 ± 0.002 mg/g DW) production followed by photoperiod and dark. SA treatment (25 μM) under photoperiod showed maximum biomass accumulation (FW: 226.6 ± 3.91 g/L and DW: 16.44 ± 0.59 g/L) and caffeic acid production (0.54 ± 0.025 mg/g DW). Moreover in vitro antioxidant potential (DPPH and ABTS) and cellular antioxidant capacity was found higher in continuous light treated callus along with 10 μM SA treatment. Callus extracts also showed biocompatibility with human erythrocytes that indicates their nontoxic nature and moderate potential against alpha-amylase inhibition which will help in regulating glucose level. Compared to commercial leaves, callus extracts showed higher production of chicoric acid and rosmarinic acid associated with higher antioxidant capacity. In addition, this biological system also has a large capacity for continuous biomass production, thus demonstrating its high potential for possible nutraceutical applications.

Production and identification of ×Brassicoraphanus distant hybrids between radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. Caulorapa DC.)

ABSTRACT A fertility obstacle exists in hybrid production between distant related species, particularly from different genera. In the present study, by using tissue culture and chromosome doubling technology, radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. caulorapa DC.) were subjected to intergeneric distant hybridisation. Through a combination of bud pollination and ovary rescue technology, five putative hybrids were obtained, and three of which were identified as true hybrids with the hybrid acquisition frequency of 0.85%. After tissue culture propagation and colchicine doubling treatment, ×Brassicoraphanus allotetraploids were obtained. Chromosome counting confirmed one plant as allotetraploid with a chromosome doubling rate of 2.70% and 14 seedlings with partial chromosome doubling at a chimaeral rate of 37.8%. The allotetraploid hybrid exhibited normal morphological characteristics, fertile pollen, fuller flower buds and developed pods, compared with the primary hybrid plants. In the present study, the distant hybrid plant that combines the R and C genomes was created to provide basic materials for producing new radish germplasm and to act as a useful bridge for gene transfer between the vegetable species of Brassica and Raphanus.

Scenario of Plant Breeding in Nepal and Its Application in Rice

Rice, the number one staple food crop of Nepal, contributes nearly 20% to the agricultural gross domestic product, almost 7% to gross domestic product, and supplies with 40% of the food calorie consumption of Nepalese people. Despite of increasing production, the national demand of rice cannot be fulfilled, and billions of rupees are spent yearly for importing rice from India. This article reviews history, recent scenario, prospects, and importance of rice breeding research in Nepal for self-sufficiency. Though plant breeding inception point in Nepal was 1951, the systematic research in rice was started from 1972 after the establishment of the National Rice Research Program. Introduction and evaluation of high yielding exotic germplasm of rice was the initial rice breeding activities. After analysing several foreign materials, CH-45 variety of rice was first recommended in 1959. Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), the leading organisation for rice varietal improvement to date, has been doing rice research activities such as germplasm conservation, exchange, varietal development, verification of technologies, and knowledge updates in collaboration with various organizations. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), since 1966, has been playing an important role in Nepal’s rice research. Major plant breeding achievements are introduction of exotic materials and their evaluation, local landraces identification, collection and analysis, crossing of local landraces with exotic genetic materials, heterosis breeding, tissue culture technology, genetic marker technology, and National Genebank. RAPD and SSR, DNA-based markers, are mostly used for diversity appraisal and selecting desirable genotypes. Integration of advanced tools such as genetic engineering, bioinformatics, protoplast fusion, and SNP markers could not be still applied in rice research and development. Hence, emphasis should be given to improve the capacity and abilities of the rice scientists and should release more short duration, drought, and submergence-tolerant rice varieties by optimum utilisation of local landraces combining modern and conventional breeding.

Application of Plant Extracts in Micropropagation and Cryopreservation of Bleeding Heart: An Ornamental-Medicinal Plant Species

Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara (bleeding heart) is valued both in the horticultural and pharmaceutical markets. Despite its great popularity, information on the in vitro tissue culture technology in this species is limited. There is also little knowledge on the application of plant extracts in the tissue culture systems of plants other than orchids. The aim of this study is to compare the utility of traditional plant growth regulators (PGRs) and natural extracts—obtained from the coconut shreds, as well as oat, rice, and sesame seeds—in the micropropagation and cryopreservation of L. spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ and ‘White Gold’. The biochemical analysis of extracts composition is also included. In the first experiment related to micropropagation via axillary buds activation, the single-node explants were cultured for a 10-week-long propagation cycle in the modified Murashige and Skoog medium fortified either with 1.11 µM benzyladenine (BA) and 1.23 µM indole-3-butritic acid (IBA) or with 10% (v/v) plant extracts. A PGRs- and extract-free control was also considered. In the cryopreservation experiment, the same 10% (v/v) extracts were added into the medium during a seven-day preculture in the encapsulation-vitrification cryopreservation protocol. It was found that the impact of natural additives was cultivar- and trait-specific. In the first experiment, the addition of coconut extract favoured the proliferation of shoots and propagation ratio in bleeding heart ‘Gold Heart’. Rice extract, on the other hand, promoted callus formation in ‘White Gold’ cultivar and was more effective in increasing the propagation ratio in this cultivar than the conventional plant growth regulators (4.1 and 2.6, respectively). Sesame extract suppressed the development of the explants in both cultivars analysed, probably due to the high content of polyphenols. As for the second experiment, the addition of plant extracts into the preculture medium did not increase the survival level of the cryopreserved shoot tips (sesame and oat extracts even decreased this parameter). On the other hand, coconut extract, abundant in simple sugars and endogenous cytokinins, stimulated a more intensive proliferation and growth of shoots after rewarming of samples. Analysing the synergistic effect of conventional plant growth regulators and natural extracts should be considered in future studies related to L. spectabilis.

Effects of different gelling agents on the different stages of rice regeneration in two rice cultivars.

Plant tissue culture technology offers a solution for meeting the increasing commercial demand on economically important plants such as rice, a widespread dietary staple. However, significant genotype-specific morphogenetic responses constitute a considerable on rice regeneration in plant biotechnology contexts. Aside from genotype dependency, the components of the nutrient media including gelling agents have an important impact on regeneration efficiency. The current study explores the effect of different gelling agents on various stages of rice regeneration in two Egyptian rice cultivars-Sakha104 and Giza178. Media solidified with varying concentrations of a variety of gelling agents (agar, bacto agar, gelrite and phytagel) were tested for their impact on the frequency of callus induction, shoot regeneration and rooting. The results indicated gellan gum (gelrite and phytagel) was superior to agar products (agar and bacto agar) for callus induction. By contrast, no significant differences were found between different gelling agents for shoot regeneration. Gellan gum and media solidified with bacto agar were found to lead to significantly higher root regeneration than agar. The Sakha104 cultivar showed better responses than Giza 178 for callus induction and similar performance to the Giza 178 cultivar for root regeneration irrespective of the gelling agent. This work provides insights into the impact of different gelling agents on the morphogenetic response of two rice cultivars and can be used to help maximize the frequency of rice regeneration.

The Influence of Nutrient Media Modification on the Morphological Parameters in Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Micropropagation in the Liquid and Semi-solid Media

Within the nursery sector, a global interest in functional fruits imposes a permanent need to improve the tissue culture technology. A modern bioreactor immersion system is currently a valid solution for the micropropagation of many cultures. At the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek (FAZOS, Croatia), a research was conducted with the aim of improving the raspberry (Rubus idaeus L., cv. HimboTop®) micropropagation protocol. The treatments implied the modifications of the MS and DKW nutrient medium (DKW – standard; DKWm – substitution of FeEDTA with the FeEDDHA; MSm – macroelement modification, 3 x CaCl2, MgSO4, and KH2PO4 + FeEDDHA), differently depending on the aggregate condition (semi‐solid and liquid SETISTM). Subsequent to 15 (SETISTM) and 30 cultivation days (semi-solid medium), respectively, a morphological parameter analysis and a multiplication success evaluation were commenced. In all treatments (DKW, DKWm, and MSm), the observed parameters (shoot height, number of leaves, leaf width and length) were significantly better in an interaction with the liquid medium. Comparing the models, a liquid medium (SETISTM) resulted in a significantly higher explant multiplication (4.02) (a semi‐solid medium - 2.74). The best reproduction quality, implying a better plant vigor with a reduced vitrification, was obtained on the MSm medium in the SETISTM. A concentration optimization of individual mesocomponents (i.e., of the macroelements) and their chemical forms (FeEDDHA) may contribute to their improved adoption and consequently to the stress suppression due to explant transplantation. Selecting the modern technical solutions (TIS bioreactors - SETISTM) and continuously improving the protocols, we may obtain the realistically sustainable models, suitable for a massive clonal reproduction.

Overproduction of Soyasaponin I by Tipuana speciosa (Benth.) cell culture

Plant cell and tissue cultures are promising biotechnological tools for the production of a myriad of bioactive secondary metabolites on demand. Discoveries of cell cultures capable of producing specific medicinal compounds at a rate similar or superior to that of intact plants have been accelerated in the last few years. Soyasaponins have recently gained more attention due to their biological activities and health-promoting functions. There are many reports relating the bioactive benefits of soyasaponins to their chemical structure mainly Soyasaponin I which possess unique pharmacological actions. Our previous study indicated that Tipuana speciosa (Benth.) leaves extract showed promising antimalarial and nephroprotective activities. This study aimed to isolate Soyasaponin I, a major compound in the leaves extract and the use of cell suspension culture as a biotechnological route for high-yield production of this bioactive molecule. The compound was identified by LC-MS/MS analysis and other NMR techniques. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous studies have been undertaken for the isolation and the production of Soyasaponin I from T. speciosa leaves using plant tissue culture technology. Our data showed that the callus and cell aggregate of T. speciosa represent an over producer cell lines (220 folds) compared to the whole plant.

In vitro induction of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) shoot roots and their acclimatization in mycorrhiza-enriched media

Oil palm is a vegetable oil-producing plant (CPO) which provides the largest foreign exchange contribution compared to other crops and is widely used in food, medicine, cosmetic, and energy industries. Tissue culture technology is currently used to produce quality oil palm seeds. Oil palm shoots tend to grow and develop in clumps (groups) in vitro. Bipolar nature does not appear in all the shoots produced, so to produce plantlets it is necessary to do induction. This research aimed to obtain the right root induction media. A completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors was used with the first factor being the type of auxin (IAA, IBA, and NAA), and the second was the auxin concentration (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 ppm). In the eighth week after planting, the variables of root length, number of leaves, and shoot height were not significantly different except for the root number. The best root induction media for plantlet formation was the MS base medium with the addition of NAA type auxin at a concentration of 0.75 ppm. The plantlets formed a symbiosis with mycorrhiza which was applied at a dose of 4 g per polybag in the fourth month after planting.

Perilla frutescens Extracts Enhance DNA Repair Response in UVB Damaged HaCaT Cells.

Physiological processes in skin are associated with exposure to UV light and are essential for skin maintenance and regeneration. Here, we investigated whether the leaf and callus extracts of Perilla frutescens (Perilla), a well-known Asian herb, affect DNA damage response and repair in skin and keratinocytes exposed to Untraviolet B (UVB) light. First, we examined the protective effects of Perilla leaf extracts in UVB damaged mouse skin in vivo. Second, we cultured calluses using plant tissue culture technology, from Perilla leaf explant and then examined the effects of the leaf and callus extracts of Perilla on UVB exposed keratinocytes. HaCaT cells treated with leaf and callus Perilla extracts exhibited antioxidant activities, smaller DNA fragment tails, and enhanced colony formation after UVB exposure. Interestingly, keratinocytes treated with the leaf and callus extracts of Perilla showed G1/S cell cycle arrest, reduced protein levels of cyclin D1, Cyclin Dependent Kinase 6 (CDK6), and γH2AX, and enhanced levels of phosphorylated checkpoint kinase 1 (pCHK1) following UVB exposure. These observations suggest that the leaf and callus extracts of Perilla are candidate nutraceuticals for the prevention of keratinocyte aging.

Comparison of planting modes of Dendrobium huoshanense and analysis of advantages of simulated cultivation

Dendrobium huoshanense is a precious medicinal plant belonging to Dendrobium of Orchidaceae. It is a special medicinal material and extremely scarce in Huoshan county, Anhui province. At present, D. huoshanense has been greatly protected, which also makes it possible to industrialize relying on tissue culture and artificial cultivation technology. Three main planting methods were utilized for cultivating D. huoshanense including facility cultivation, under forest cultivation and simulative habitat cultivation. Firstly, the three cultivation modes and technical characteristics of D. huoshanense were compared and analyzed, and it was found that the ecological environment of D. huoshanense cultivated in the simulated environment was closer to that of wild D. huoshanense. Secondly, based on comparing the characters and quality of three cultivation modes, the results showed that the shape of D. huoshanense cultivated in simulated environment was more similar to that of "grasshopper thigh" recorded in Bencao Jing Jizhu, and its quality was better than that of facilities and under forest cultivation. The comprehensive benefit comparison of three modes showed that the simulated cultivation had high income, the lowest input-output ratio and significant economic benefit. The quality of cultivated D. huoshanense was further evaluated from four aspects of "excellent environment" "excellent shape" "high quality" "excellent effect", which summarized the comprehensive advantages of simulative habitat cultivation of D. huoshanense as follows: the original habitat and site environment of simulated wild D. huoshanense, the closer shape to the wild, the more content of main medicinal components, and higher economic benefit and better efficacy. The quality of D. huoshanense was improved by the use of simulative habitat cultivation, which has practical significance to guide its large-scale cultivation.

Rapid Micropropagation Protocol of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis using Cotyledonary Node Explant: A Cultivated Medicinal Edible Legume

Background: The presence of L-dopa coupled with rich protein and amino acid marked Mucuna pruriens var. utilis as an important under-utilised legume. Therefore, it is useful to develop a method for large-scale multiplication for commercial production. Method: Tissue culture technology is successfully utilized in propagation of plants with poor and uncertain response to conventional propagation. Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium without any Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) was used for seed germination and with PGRs for shoot and root multiplication.Result: Highest 95% seed germination was found in fresh seeds at 7-8 days of culture. Shoot multiplication percentage was found to be 100% with highest c.a. 21.1 shoots with an average 4.8 cm shoot length on MS + BAP 1.5 mg L-1 per 10 days old cotyledonary node explant. A total c.a. 144 shoots were harvested after 3rd harvest of the mother cotyledonary node with two whole cotyledons at day 70. Rooting was best induced in in vitro derived shoots on MS medium without any PGRs and plantlets were acclimatized in sand and soil (1:1) and established in pot with garden soil.

Analysis of Growth and Enzyme Contents of Papain Callus Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Through Tissue Culture Engineering with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Elicitors on MS and VW Media

Papaya plants are the main source of chemical compounds commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry and food additives. The use of papaya plants in both industries is due to the enzyme content of papain which contains bio-molecular protein compounds as a catalyst to accelerate inorganic chemical reactions either as a treatment or food treatment purpose. Papaya’s papain enzyme is a proteolytic enzyme that is secreted through the isolation of papaya’s sap. One of the efforts to increase papain content in papaya is through tissue culture using papaya leaf explants and elicitation techniques with the addition elicitor of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in MS and VW medium. This study to analyze: (1) papaya callus quantias with the added elicitor of S.cerevisiae on MS and VW medium; (2) compact or friable callus quality with the added elicitor of S.cerevisiae on MS and VW medium; (3) the results of the increase in the enzyme content of papain in papaya leaf callus in MS and VW media which had been added with S.cerevisiae elicitor. The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial of two factors with four samples and six replications consisting of four samples. Factorial treatment as follows: Factor I (Media) consisting of M1 (MS); M2 (VW). Factor II S.cerevisiae in MS and VW medium. The results showed that: (1) the treatment of MS medium and S.cerevisiae elicitor of 25 mg dry matter (DM)/L was able to produce the number of callus realization of other treatments; (2) All treatments of S.cerevisiae elicitor in medium produced compact callus quality; (3) Addition of S.cerevisiae elicitor of 25 mg DM/ L and VW medium as the highest producer of papain enzyme content in papaya leaf callus.

A study on superior-environment friendly red potato production development

Hasanuddin University team has succeeded in applying the seed production technology of the Kentang Raja - known as the Red Potato - through tissue culture technology seed production can be driven 5-fold over conventional systems; the seeds of the Red Potato G0 have been tested. The long-term outcomes of the research are: (1) strengthening the role of farmers in a sustainable manner in the environmentally friendly Red Potato agribusiness in South Sulawesi; and (2) establishing a business network as a partner of Red Potato farmers, and a participatory farmer-based synergy to develop sustainable Red Potato agribusiness in South Sulawesi. The research findings were: (1) net income of Red Potato farm of IDR. 43,701,700 per hectare per season at cost efficiency (R / C-ratio) of 1.92; large production costs are the costs of seed and labor; labor costs represent 1/3 of the value of revenue after deducting the cost of production facilities; (2) the general distribution pattern of Red Potato production is the pattern in which the Red Potatoes from the farmers are sold to Large Traders, then sold to Retailers and Consumers in traditional markets of Makassar, this pattern runs relatively constant, business networks. The research suggests (1) Red Potato commodities as new varieties produced by Hasanuddin University, the farmers need to get subsidized seed prices from the government in order to increase farmer’s income and more vigorously develop Red Potato commodities; (2). The Gowa Regency Government needs to continuously improve the services to farmers and farmer groups through increasing the activities of the Agricultural/Rural Training Center and and the Agribusiness Sub-Terminal.

Plant Tissue Culture- A New Tool for Vegetable Improvement (Indian scenario): A Review

In vitro culture of plant cells/tissues is now routine using a range of explant types from many of the important vegetable and fruit crops. Successful technologies include isolation, culture of tissues, cells, protoplasts, organs, embryos, ovules, anthers and microspores and regeneration from them of complete plantlets. The development of plant tissue culture technology represents one of the most exciting advances in plant sciences. For example, the prospect of being able to introduce, develop, produce, transfer and conserve the existing gene pool of plant sciences by using tissue culture methods opens up new opportunities for researches and entrepreneurs. The term plant tissue culture should denote in vitro cultivation of plant cells or tissues in an unorganized mass, i.e., callus culture. Plant tissue culture techniques, in combination with recombinant DNA technology, are the essential requirements for the development of transgenic plants. However, culture techniques like anther/pollen/ovule culture, meristem culture can themselves be utilized for crop improvement or may serve as an aid to conventional breeding. In recent, isolated microspore culture has developed as a breeding tool and an experimental system for various genetic manipulations. The inherent potentiality of a plant cell to give rise to a whole plant, a capacity which is often retained even after a cell has undergone final differentiation in the plant body, is described as ‘cellular totipotency’. On the other hand, production of virus-free plants via meristem culture can reduce losses caused by phyto-pathogens. Embryo culture has many potential uses ranging from overcoming seed dormancy to facilitation of inter-specific hybridization. Protoplast fusion technique can be used for the transfer of cytoplasmic male sterility from one species to another in a short period of time. In cabbage, male sterile cybrids are being utilized by seed companies to produce hybrid seeds on commercial scale and at competitive rates. Plant tissue culture and cell culture are providing useful methods for germplasm storage either by low temperature storage of organized tissue, or cryopreservation of cell or embryo culture.

Banana Production Trends, Cultivar Diversity, and Tissue Culture Technologies Uptake in Kenya

Banana (Musa acuminate L) is the world’s most widely known and distributed fruit and is a great contributor to food security in the developing world. However, many limiting factors affect banana farming, which cut across sociodemographic factors and agronomic and management practices. The current study was carried in three counties, including Kisii, Nyamira, and Embu. The study aimed to assess agronomic practices, banana production practices (main banana cultivars, source of planting materials), market information, and awareness of tissue culture bananas. Sample size was determined using the Snedecor and Cochran formula, and data were collected using structured questionnaires, observation, and face to face interviews from 90 smallholder farmers. Data obtained were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0, and Microsoft Excel was used to generate tables and graphs. Results indicated that banana production in Kisii, Nyamira, and Embu were limited by several factors including pests and diseases, limited access to quality disease-free planting materials, access to extension services, especially in Kisii and Nyamira, as well as access to agrochemicals. Declining production as well as limited market access also adversely affected production in these regions. Most farmers chose cultivars according to the availability of planting materials, suitability to the region, productivity, as well as market demand. The most predominant cultivar in Kisii and Nyamira was the Ng’ombe which was planted by about 90% and 73.3% of the respondents, respectively. In Embu, the most common cultivar was Israel and was planted by 96% of the respondents. More than 50% of the farmers in Kisii, Nyamira, and Embu cited lack of awareness of tissue-cultured bananas. None of the respondents in the study sites carried out any value addition processes on bananas thus limiting exploitation of a major revenue source. There was low adoption of tissue-cultured banana cultivation with the highest recorded number of respondents growing tissue-cultured banana reported in Embu (36%), followed by Kisii (10%) and lastly Nyamira (3.3%), as well as limited knowledge of tissue culture technology in three counties with 60% of the respondents in Kisii, Nyamira, and Embu indicating limited knowledge of the tissue-cultured banana varieties. This could potentially lead to a decline in production due to the use of potentially diseased planting materials. Creating awareness with the aid of relevant authorities on the potential benefits of utilizing disease-free tissue-cultured bananas and adopting low-cost tissue culture technology will significantly boost banana production in these regions and the country as a whole. The results of this study could be used by relevant stakeholders to increase banana productivity in the study areas.

Use of Technology and Its Management Issues in Nepalese Industries and Businesses

This paper presents some of the facts regarding the use of technology in Nepalese industries and businesses. This is a research of paper. It uses a set of questionnaires to collect the responses regarding technology management issues. It also reviews and describes scholarly papers, professional research works, and research reports of different national and international organizations to answer the research questions and draw results. Results show that Nepal is rich in many types of traditional technologies. Most of rural businesses are dependent on traditional technology for their activities. The contribution of traditional technology is still important in Nepal’s social-economic sphere and it cannot altogether be neglected. The results also show that the uses of modern technologies are also increasing in Nepal. Regarding modern technologies, information technology (IT), sophisticated technology, biotechnology and tissue culture technology, solar power, computer technology, automation, e-banking, mobile banking, locker facilities, telephone and television, and e-business become popular in Nepalese industries and businesses. The results reveal that lack of political commitment, lack of interactions, the gap between policies and practices, lack of coordination, lack of need assessment, low quality of practical education, low investment in research & development (R&D), inadequate maintenance facilities, the rapid pace of technological change, and non-involvement in decision-making are the key issues related to the management of technology in our context. The focus on R&D is essential for the development of new technologies in Nepal.