This book introduces the reader to synthetic or artificial seeds, which refer to alginate encapsulated somatic embryos, vegetative buds or any other micropropagules that can be used as seeds and converted into plantlets after propagating under in vitro or in vivo conditions. Moreover, synthetic seeds retain their potential for regeneration even after low-temperature storage. The production of synthetic or artificial seeds using micropropagules opens up new vistas in agricultural biotechnology. Encapsulated propagules could be used for in vitro regeneration and mass multiplication at reasonable cost. In addition, these propagules may be used for germplasm preservation of elite plant species and the exchange of plant materials between national and international laboratories. This book offers state-of-the-art findings on methods, applications and prospects of synthetic or artificial seeds.

Synseeds is the first major book devoted to synthetic seeds. It provides an outstanding state-of-the-art treatise on somatic embryogenesis, embryo dessication, coating and encapsulation technology, synthetic seed storage, controlled release for synthetic endosperm development, mechanization of synthetic seed production, direct field planning, and the status of patents. Major problems for the commercialization of synthetic seeds are discussed, and new methods for encapsulation of somatic embryos and creation of synthetic endosperm are presented. The most advanced somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis systems for alfalfa, carrots, celery, grapes, lettuce, mangos, mulberries, orchardgrass, sandalwood, soybeans, and spruce are described in detail. Synseeds also presents the latest data from major organizations conducting synthetic seed research and development. The book will be an essential reference for all researchers and students working on somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seed development.

Designed primarily as a text for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, the book discusses the theoretical aspects and modern applications of plant cell, tissue and organ culture. Written with the aim of providing up-to-date information on the subject, and focused on the concept of commercialization of plant cell culture, the contents have been presented with clarity. The book not only discusses the theoretical aspects of plant tissue culture but also emphasizes the art of its practice. It also provides a systematic explanation of asepsis and methods of sterilization, plant tissue culture techniques, culture of reproductive structures, plant tissue culture in germplasm conservation, its applications in the industry and plant pathology and operation and management of greenhouse hardening unit. In addition, it discusses in vitro propagation of plants (micropropagation) with a series of case studies pertaining to tree species and horticultural crops. Besides students, the book will also prove to be useful for researchers, scholars and teachers.

Revised and expanded throughout, this latest edition of the bestselling Seeds Handbook: Biology, Production, Processing, and Storage includes valuable information on all areas of seed biology, production, and processing. The author, one of the most respected and prolific scientists in the field, identifies current developments in seed testing and certification, storage, transportation, and distribution. Tracking the evolution and advancement of seed industries and technologies, he fully covers the development and supply of high-quality seeds for every key agronomic and horticulture crop. Contains methods to enhance the genetic and physiological characteristics of more than 80 major and minor crops With an abundance of current research and additional figures and illustrations, this edition of the Seeds Handbook offers chapters on modern biotechnological issues such as the production of synthetic seeds, loss-reduction biotechnologies, and new strategies in the seed production industry. It provides in-depth information on burgeoning areas of seed science including tissue culture and cellular totipotency, induction and regeneration protocols, development and maturation, hormone requirements, drying and storage of somatic embryos, protective encapsulation, and crop applications. With an eye to the future, it looks at challenges in the provision and enhancement of seeds for crop plants, practical methods of seed production and micropropagation, genetically modified seeds, and world food security.

Divided into three volumes, Micropropagation of Orchids Third Edition retains the exhaustive list of micropropagation protocols for many genera and updates each section to include new and/or revised information about: Culture media and vessels Techniques and procedures for both orchids which were previously cultured and for those which were not Plant hormones and growth regulators Media components Methods for tissue decontamination Historical information Procedures for the cultivation for plantlets which have been removed from flasks Sources of light and illumination methods Written by two globally acknowledged experts in the field, the third edition of this definitive text on the micropropagation of orchids is a detailed and comprehensive collection of procedures and methods for multiplying orchids, including organ, tissue, and cell culture techniques in vitro and is intended for researchers in plant science and propagation, professional and amateur orchid growers, and plant breeding professionals. Much of the general information about techniques and procedures can be applied to plants other than orchids.

In vitro Plant Biotechnology: Status and Scope, In vitro Plant Regeneration—An Overview, In vitro Culture Laboratory— Organization and Management, Sterilization Techniques, Plant Cell In vitro Nutrition: Culture Medium, Cell Differentiation and Totipotency, Micropropagation: A Source of Clonal Regeneration, Callus: Induction and Differentiation, Cell Suspension Culture, Single Cell Culture: Technology and Applications, Embryo Culture, Somatic Embryo: Induction and Regeneration, Haploid Production-I (Androgenesis), Haploid Production-II (In vitro Pollination Fertilization and Gynogenesis), Endosperm and Nucellus Culture, Protoplast Technology— Isolation and Regeneration of Protoplast, Protoplast Technology— Somatic Hybridization and Cybridization, Somaclonal Variation: Source and Significance, Biodiversity and Preservation of Germplasm, Artificial (synthetic) Seed Production Technology, Secondary Metabolite Production-I, Secondary Metabolite Production-II, Transgenic Production-I, Transgenic Production-II, Transgenic Production-III, G M Crops and their Impacts, Plastid Engineering, Plant In vitro Biotechnology in Agriculture, Plant In vitro Biotechnology in Forestry, Plant In vitro Biotechnology in Industry.

This greatly expanded and updated edition of a classic reference work comprises two volumes offering a compendium of methods for multiplying orchids through micropropagation. A detailed collection of procedures and methods for multiplying orchids, including organ, tissue, and cell culture techniques in vitro Presents classic techniques that have been in the forefront of orchid propagation since they were first developed in 1949 Detailed procedures are appended with tables and complete recipes for a large number of culture media Includes many illustrations, chemical formulas, historical vignettes, and seldom seen illustrations of people, orchids, apparatus and tools “... an excellent resource like its predecessor, ...both informative and captivating, and served as a reminder of why we go to such extremes in our quest to propagate these plants.” American Orchid Society, 2009 “...in the sense of its universal value and importance, this Second Edition will undoubtedly be considered a classic, if only because it will serve as a sole and invaluable resource on the subject.” Plant Science Bulletin, 2009