Large Scale Micropropagation: It’s Strategic Use in Horticulture

Abstract

In considering the problems and opportunities of large scale micropropagation at the commercial level, it has become increasingly apparent to me that the technology holds long term strategic opportunities, as well as the shorter term tactical uses it may be put to commercially. These longer term applications are likely to be forced upon us by a number of pressing environmental and climatic factors, which will increase the need for new variety introduction in the face of changing growing conditions. These challenges will force all of Agriculture to formulate very precise goals and develop practical plans to achieve them. At any time when resources are limited, clear cut programs of research and development are required in order that effective use of those resources can be established. Micropropagation provides one such technology for the production of a framework to establishment a targeted and flexible Horticultural program.