The potential of somatic embryogenesis for commercial-scale propagation of elite cacao varieties

Description

Plant tissue culture can be used to speed up the development and deployment of genetically improved genotypes. Research conducted by multiple groups for over 25 years has led to the development of protocols for efficient somatic embryogenesis (SE) of cacao. This chapter provides a synthesis of publically available information and literature describing the research and development activities on cacao tissue culture and of field-test evaluations of SE-derived plants. The chapter also reviews current activities in cacao-producing countries involving adoption and scale-up for large-scale propagation of important genotypes, providing a number of field studies from Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 The somatic embryogenesis method for cacao 3 Field evaluation of somatic embryo trees 4 Applying cacao somatic embryogenesis for long-term storage of germplasm 5 Using somatic embryo plants for propagation by orthotropic rooted cuttings 6 Field evaluation of orthotropic rooted cuttings 7 Integrated system for vegetative propagation of cacao 8 Technology transfer 9 Advantages and constraints of tissue culture 10 Future trends and conclusion 11 Acknowledgements 12 References