Micropropagation

Micropropagation is the rapid production of many plants from small tissue samples under sterile, controlled conditions, usually through in vitro culture. It reproduces selected plants while limiting exposure to pathogens.

Plant tissue culture: The growth of plant cells, tissues, or organs on nutrient media under controlled conditions. Micropropagation is a specialized use of plant tissue culture.
Clonal propagation: The production of genetically similar plants from a single parent by asexual means. Micropropagation rapidly multiplies selected plant genotypes.
Totipotency: The capacity of a cell to develop into a complete organism under suitable conditions. It underlies the ability of some cultured plant cells to regenerate whole plants.
Seed propagation: The production of plants by germinating seeds. Unlike seed propagation, micropropagation can preserve a selected plant's genotype.
Explant: A piece of plant tissue or organ removed to initiate a culture. The explant supplies the cells from which a micropropagation culture begins.
Virus-free plants: Plants tested and found free of specified viruses or virus-like pathogens. Meristem culture and screening can help produce clean planting stock.
Aseptic technique: Practices that prevent unwanted microorganisms from contaminating materials or cultures. Sterile handling protects slow-growing plant cultures from competing microbes.
Vegetative propagation: Asexual plant reproduction using structures such as stems, roots, or leaves. Micropropagation is an in vitro form of vegetative propagation.
Plant growth medium: A nutrient preparation that supports plant cells or tissues grown in vitro. Its minerals, sugars, and hormones sustain explants and developing shoots.
Orchid propagation: The cultivation of orchids from seed, division, or tissue culture. Many orchids are multiplied commercially from small tissue samples in vitro.

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