Tissue Culture and Conservation Strategies for Indian Flora

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Authors

Subhash Kumar Sirangi
Vaagdevi Degree and PG College Kishanpura, Hanamkonda, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0815-0519

Keywords:

Plant Tissue Culture, Micropropagation, Somatic Embryogenesis, Cryopreservation, Medicinal Plants, Germplasm Conservation, In Vitro Propagation

Synopsis

India is globally celebrated for its remarkable floral wealth, which spans a vast range of climatic zones, ecosystems, and biogeographic regions—from the snow-clad Himalayas and arid deserts to the tropical Western Ghats and dense forest ecosystems of the Northeast. This botanical treasure includes an impressive array of endemic, medicinal, aromatic, and economically valuable plant species, many of which are now increasingly endangered due to anthropogenic pressures.
In recent decades, the escalating impacts of urbanization, industrialization, habitat destruction, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting of wild plants have severely threatened the survival of many native species. This scenario demands not only immediate conservation action but also innovative approaches that go beyond conventional methods. As a plant biotechnologist and conservationist with deep-rooted concern for India’s botanical heritage, I have long envisioned the need for a holistic academic resource that addresses the immense potential of plant tissue culture in conserving threatened flora.
This book, “Tissue Culture and Conservation Strategies for Indian Flora,” is my sincere attempt to respond to that need. It aims to serve as both an informative reference and an inspiration for researchers, educators, students, environmentalists, policymakers, and all stakeholders who are dedicated to the cause of biodiversity conservation. The content is structured to be accessible to readers at various levels, from beginners in plant biotechnology to experienced scientists seeking updated methodologies and case-based insights.
Beginning with an overview of plant tissue culture including its history, core principles, laboratory infrastructure, and basic techniques the book gradually builds toward more specialized themes. Key chapters delve into micropropagation, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, synthetic seed technology, cryopreservation, and the creation of germplasm repositories. Each chapter is supported with relevant data, diagrams, and case studies to enhance understanding and application.
Special attention has been paid to the application of tissue culture in rescuing and propagating rare, medicinal, endemic, and critically endangered plant species of Indian origin. Through a comparative analysis of traditional conservation methods (such as seed banks, field gene banks, and botanical gardens) and biotechnological interventions, the book underscores the synergistic value of integrating modern and conventional conservation tools.
In addition, the broader relevance of plant tissue culture in agriculture and horticulture is thoroughly discussed. The role of this technique in improving crop yield, disease resistance,stress tolerance, and commercial propagation of high-value ornamental plants demonstrates its contribution not just to biodiversity conservation but also to national food security, livelihoods, and rural development.
No scholarly work is complete without acknowledging its challenges. This book critically examines technical and logistical constraints such as somaclonal variation, high operational costs, contamination risks, and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic manipulation, patenting, and equitable benefit-sharing of plant genetic resources. As we navigate an era of rapid ecological and climatic changes, it is clear that conservation is no longer a matter of choice it is a collective obligation. I firmly believe that when plant biotechnology, particularly tissue culture, is applied responsibly and collaboratively, it can form a critical pillar in the larger framework of sustainable development and biodiversity preservation.
I am deeply grateful to the many scientists, field workers, research institutions, and conservation agencies whose pioneering work has informed and inspired this book. Their dedication has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also safeguarded the future of India’s precious plant species.
I hope that this book will stimulate further interdisciplinary research, foster knowledge exchange, and encourage policy frameworks that support science-driven conservation. May it serve as a valuable guide for all those committed to the noble cause of protecting the green legacy of our nation for future generations.

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Sirangi, S. K. . (2025). Tissue Culture and Conservation Strategies for Indian Flora. Deep Science Publishing. https://doi.org/10.70593/978-93-7185-376-7
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