Commercial-scale photo-autotrophic micropropagation: applications in Irish agriculture, horticulture and forestry

摘要

Commercial-scale photoautotrophic micropropagation systems have been developed and applied in the Irish Republic for the production of a wide range of ornamental plant species, disease-free potato stocks and elite clones of temperate broadleaf forestry species. The background to this work and the systems used are described. An essential element was the optimization of environmental regimes and controls with respect to temperature, humidity, light intensity and carbon dioxide enrichment. The development of modified nutrient delivery systems, growth substrates and culture vessels to maximize production capacity and cost efficiency were also important. Simplification of tissue culture media and production techniques were key factors in maintaining the commercial feasibility of this technology.