Living
collections:
Kew | Wakehurst |
Micropropagation Unit | Regions
and groups
The
Micropropagation Unit was established at Kew in 1974
to propagate plants that are rare, endangered or difficult
to grow conventionally. The unit plays an important role
in conservation programmes and management of botanical
collections.
The techniques used include in
vitro laboratory propagation from vegetative material
and germination of seeds and spores. Expertise has
been developed in growing over 3,000 species from around
the world, many that have never been studied before.
This knowledge can be put to good use in helping with
conservation of threatened species from unique habitats
and remote locations. |
 |
In addition
the Micropropagation Unit supports the living collections by
propagating and maintaining collections and rescuing plants that
succumb to infection or damage. The use of in vitro techniques
has overcome problems caused by low seed viability and susceptibility
to fungal disease, and has proved effective for increasing stocks
of some species in cultivation. Programmes have included in vitro
propagation of bryophytes, ferns, orchids and carnivorous plants.
The Micropropagation Unit also supports the cryo-preservation
of plants. It is a valuable tool for plant genetic conservation
and allows a tissue bank of vegetative material to be stored
over long periods of time.
http://www.kew.org/scihort/micropropagation.html
