Advances in Micropropagation and Tissue Culture for Horticultural Crops: A Review
Sandeep Bhardwaj
Department of Basic Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004, Haryana, India.
Manju Kumari *
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kishanganj, Bihar, India.
Chethan T.
College of Agriculture, Gangavathi - 583 227 Koppal Dist., Karnataka, India.
Madhuri Hosamani
Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, PGIHS, Mulugu, India.
Mouli Paul
Department Genetics and Plant Breeding, University Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur Campus, India.
Abhinash Moirangthem
College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba, Imphal, India.
Asit Prasad Dash
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Subhash Verma
School of Agriculture, Eklavya University Damoh (Madhy Pradesh)-470 661, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
High-quality planting material that is genetically uniform, physiologically vigorous, and pathogen-free is essential for sustainable horticultural crop production. Traditional vegetative propagation methods such as cuttings, suckers, and grafting are limited by low multiplication rates and the high risk of transmitting systemic pathogens, particularly viruses, bacteria, and viroids. Plant tissue culture offers a reliable alternative, enabling rapid clonal multiplication and reducing disease transmission through the use of clean, meristematic tissues. Key micropropagation stages, including establishment, multiplication, rooting, and acclimatization, collectively facilitate the large-scale production of true-to-type plants. Advanced regeneration pathways such as organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis further support the propagation of elite and recalcitrant genotypes, germplasm conservation, and genetic improvement programs. Recent technological innovations including bioreactor systems, low-cost culture strategies, LED lighting, molecular diagnostics, and AI-assisted culture management have significantly enhanced the efficiency, scalability, and commercial feasibility of micropropagation. Integration of tissue culture with molecular biology and precision agriculture is increasingly strengthening global efforts to supply high-quality, disease-free planting material for diverse horticultural crops.
Keywords: Micropropagation, tissue culture, temporary immersion system, somatic embryogenesis, synthetic seed, bioreactor, genome editing, horticulture