Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is a promising option for safe,, long term, storage of Musa germplasm.
It involves the storage of embryogenic cell suspension of proliferating in vitro Musa meristems in liquid nitrogen (-196 degree Celsius).
At this temperature cell division and metabolic processes stop and the plant material can therefore be stored without modification for along period of time.
The method also requires limited space, protects the material from contamination, involves little maintenance and is cost effective over a long period of time.
The question whether embryogenic cell suspension or proliferating meristems should be preserved depends on the purpose.
Proliferating meristems are currently the material of choice for long term preservation of Musa germplasm as the production of embryogenic cell lines is highly genotypes specific.
However, the embryogenic cell times, which may ne produced as a result of genetic transformation research can also be used for cryopreservation.
This improved technique has proved to be suitable for a range of Musa genotypes.
Cryopreservation
