SYNTHETIC SEED: A Challenging Technology in Plant Propagation, Transportation and Conservation

Synthetic seeds have been proposed as a low-cost, high-volume propagation system. Application of this technology has been well recognized in several crop plants. The technology is associated with multiple difficulties, viz. lack of standard protocol, asynchronized maturation of somatic embryos, low conversion rate, hindrance of the gel capsule for emergence of root and shoot, appearance of genetic variability in synthetic seed-derived plants etc. The book has been divided into nine chapters including the introductory chapter: 'Introduction', 'Principles and techniques of plant tissue culture', Encapsulating gel matrix and additives', 'Production technology', 'Source of propagules for encapsulation', 'Implications', 'Achievements', 'Lim itations' and finally 'Prospects'. A section has also been allotted for the technical terms and definitions as 'Glossary'. Hope, this book will be of greater use for the students, Plant Breeders and Biotechnologists to understand the principles and methods of synthetic seed preparation and improvement of the technology for intensified utilization in the field of plant biotechnology