ISHS Acta Horticulturae 430: VII International Symposium on Flowerbulbs
THE CONTRIBUTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY TO BREEDING, PROPAGATION AND DISEASE RESISTANCE IN GEOPHYTES |
| Author: | M. Ziv |
| Keywords: | Bulbs, corms, clusters, gene manipulation, tissue culture, transformation |
| Abstract:
Ornamental geophytes - plants perennating by underground storage organs, are used for gardening, cut-flower and flowering pot plant production, as well as a source for phytochemicals. The culture and production of corm and bulb plants could not have attained their full potential without the achievements of plant biotechnology in the last two decades. The study of developmental physiology in vitro, micropropagation and pathogen elimination, embryo rescue and genetic improvements for biodiversity, have all contributed to the commercial production of geophytes and will continue to do so in the future. Propagation systems through enhanced axillary bud development, organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis have been reported for even the most recalcitrant species. Liquid culture in bioreactors has been reported to be a successful and efficient large-scale propagation system for Lilium, Gladiolus, Nerine, Brodiaea and others. Regenerated buds or embryos have been induced to form storage organs directly by the manipulation of growth regulators and environmental factors in culture. Corms and bulbs produced in vitro have significant advantages for transplanting and survival ex-vitro, for long term storage and for shipment. In vitro pollination and fertilization, embryo, ovary, ovule, anther and pollen culture have been reported for many geophytes. Protoplast culture and somatic cell hybridization have been successful in a small number of species and await a further breakthrough. Even more significant are the possibilities of manipulating and reintroducing genes into plant cells using vectors or a particle gun for direct DNA delivery. Recently, procedures using Agrobacterium strains to transform Lilium were reported with the aim of introducing viral coat protein for viral resistance. These developments will serve as an effective systems for genetic improvement, from color diversification to disease resistance and for the conservation and safety of our environment. The importance of the dramatic developments in plant biotechnology are well documented in many experimental systems. They have unique potential for cormous and bulbous plants as new scientific achievements are accomplished at a very fast pace. | |
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