Plant Tissue Culture Practice

Abstract

The propagation of higher plants in vitro, one of the most important aims of plant tissue culture, has shown a dramatic development in Australia and elsewhere since 1976 when Dr Ron de Fossard, the father of Plant Tissue Culture in Australia, produced his book "Tissue Culture for Plant Propagators". His book remains a classic in the field of plant tissue culture. His systematic method of media preparation and testing revolutionized our approach to tissue culture. The purpose of this book is to provide a practical reference to the production of higher plants via in vitro techniques. The book is aimed at researchers, students, nurserymen and other individuals who are interested in plant cell and tissue culture, particularly in clonal propagation. Basic botanical knowledge is critical to success with in vitro techniques, therefore the main body of the text includes a chapter covering basic plant anatomy and morphology. Theoretical and practical aspects of plant tissue culture are covered in Chapters 2-5 with specific attention to micropropagation. Appendices provide an easy reference to technical information and solutions to many of the problems one may encounter in the course of tissue culture. Many recipes, arising from our own work with Australian Native Plants, are also included here. We hope that this book will provide a valuable guide to the field of tissue culture from a practical perspective.