Protocols for Biotechnological Interventions in Improvement of Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews.).
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews (syn. V. fragrans Salisb.), a native of Central America, is the primary source of natural vanillin and plays a major role in the global economy. The gene pool of vanilla is threatened by deforestation and overcollection that has resulted in disappearance of natural habitats and wild species. Continuous vegetative propagation and lack of natural seed set and sufficient variations in the gene pool hamper crop improvement programs. In vitro techniques, one of the key tools of plant biotechnology, can be employed for overcoming specific problems, viz. production of disease-free clones, inducing somaclonal variations, developing hybrids, gene pool conservation, incorporating desired traits by distant hybridization, genetic engineering, etc. However, realization of these objectives necessitates standardization of protocols. This chapter describes the various protocols optimized for crop improvement in Vanilla species.
Providence Women's College, Kozhikode, 673 009, India.
Minoo
M
Divakaran
All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, 673 012, Kerala, India. nirmalbabu30@hotmail.com.
K Nirmal
KN
Babu
World Noni Research Foundation, Chennai, 600 020, India.
K V
KV
Peter
D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods; D046508:Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D018744:DNA, Plant / Q000235:genetics; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D000069600:Plant Breeding / Q000379:methods*; D012639:Seeds / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D031669:Vanilla / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*
D018744:DNA, Plant
Artificial seeds; Cryopreservation; Embryo rescue; In vitro conservation; Micropropagation; Plant regeneration; Seed culture; Somaclones; Vanilla