Low Cost Options for Tissue Culture Technology in Developing Countries

This publication describes options for reducing costs in the establishment and operation of plant tissue culture facilities and focuses primarily on plant micropropagation. It includes the basics of tissue culture technology, bioreactors, low cost options in the design of laboratories, use of media and containers, energy and labour saving, integration and adoption of low cost options, increasing plant survival after propagation, and outreach of material to growers and farmers in developing countries. The publication will be of particular value to the micropropagation industry in developing countries for the enhancement of agricultural productivity to enable sustainable food production where infrastructure and facilities for tissue culture are not readily available and where there is a scarcity of financial support. The publication will also serve plant propagators, managers of tissue culture laboratories, scientists and organizations contemplating the establishment of new laboratories, and ongoing commercial concerns, which may incorporate low cost options.