Biotech Updates

APCoAB Publication on Micropropagation of Sugarcane

May 23, 2008

The Asia-Pacific Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology (APCoAB), a program of the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), with funding support of FAO has released a publication entitled “Micropropagation for Quality Seed Production in Sugarcane in Asia and the Pacific”. The report gives a step-by-step protocol for the production of disease-free planting material in sugarcane using meristem tip culture method. Field multiplication of in vitro raised plantlets aimed at reducing the farmer-level cost of seedlings is also detailed. Success stories of sugarcane micropropagation for seed production in India, Australia and the Philippines are recounted. The publication is available online at http://www.apcoab.org/documents/sugar_pub.pdf.