Plant micro-reproduction, or in vitro reproduction, is a method of vegetative reproduction consisting in reconstructing plants from their fragments (organs, tissues or cells), called explants. This process takes place under sterile, strictly controlled conditions, on special media.This modern biotechnological method quickly became popular, because it allows to obtain several million daughter plants from one fragment of the parent plant in a year.
Acquiring new "specimens" has become quick and more effective, especially in species that are difficult to reproduce by other methods.The time needed to obtain descendants with specific decorative qualities has been significantly shortened. In vitro cultures allow obtaining high-quality seedlings.Young plants are free from pests and diseases that cannot be eliminated by traditional methods.Microplants survive in cold stores for a very long time, therefore their production can last all year.
Micro-propagation requires an appropriate laboratory equipped with facilities for the preparation of nutrients and for the decontamination of nutrients, dishes, equipment and explants. Most of the four stages take place in glassware - hence the name in vitro - "in glass".It all starts with the preparation of a nutrient medium containing micro- and macronutrients, vitamins, carbohydrates and growth regulators.Depending on the needs, its consistency is solid or liquid. The proportions of ingredients are selected according to the needs of the species and its development stage.
The next stage is implanting the plant material on the nutrient medium.Explants are sterilized using chemicals and transferred to sterile nutrient vessels. To avoid contamination, these activities are carried out in cabins disinfected with UV light with the flow of filtered air. From small fragments of plants, numerous shoots are formed, which can be separated and used for further multiplication.By changing the composition of the medium, the formation of the so-called pollination and stimulates the production of roots.The last stage of production is planting plants from in vitro cultures into a decontaminated substrate and their acclimatization to growing conditions.
Young seedlings are protected against intense light and water loss. Poland is one of the leaders in the production and export of in vitro propagated plants. Ornamental species dominate, especially those grown for cut flowers (gerbera, anthurium, carnation) and potted plants (ficus). Perennials (aster, edelweiss, mullein, primrose, hearts, funkia, lungwort), bulbous plants and ornamental trees and shrubs are also multiplied.
Possibility of long-term storage of plant material in laboratories allows for the creation of "gene banks".These are collections of explants from specimens with special features (high yield, disease resistance, longevity, etc.) or of endangered species.If necessary, they can be quickly, massively multiplied and introduced into the natural environment. To learn more about plant micro-reproduction, visit the Kostrzyca Forest Gene Bank, which has been collecting tree and shrub gene resources from the State Forests, national parks, nature reserves and monuments since 1996.
