Micropropagation of Minor Fruit Crops of India: A Review

Abstract

Micro-propagation refers to the technique of in vitro multiplication of plants in a short duration using any plant parts (nodes, leaves, flowers, seeds etc.) under aseptic conditions. It is advantageous over vegetative propagation and its application in horticultural aspects. It is well-proven method of surplus production of elite identical plants in a controlled environment which are uniform, stable, disease-free, true-to-type and are independent of any seasonal restrictions or limitations. India is homeland to diverse of significant but minor fruit crops such as Indian gooseberry, (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Karonda (Carissa carandas L.), Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L.), Jackfruit (Artocarpus hetrophylous L.) which bear high nutritional, medicinal, therapeutic values and of great commercial importance (medicinal, food and cosmetics). Due to a paucity of desirable planting materials, the commercial production process for these crops is restricted. Micropropagation has the potential to significantly increase the number of new cultivars or genotypes of such fruit crops. The objective of this review study is to compile existing research work done on the micropropagation of these underutilized fruit crops.