Synthetic Seeds: A Boon for Conservationand Exchange of Germplasm

Abstract

Production of synthetic seeds is effective for conservation and propagation of rare, endangered, critically endangered and threatened plants which are difficult to regenerate through conventional methods and due to low seed set and poor seed germination. There are some factors which discourage commercial cultivation of plants like excessive human exploitation, low germination percentage, less viability of the seeds and long gestation periods. Unsystematic collection of plants for their medicinal, ornamental, perfumery etc. and habitat destruction are potential causes of threats to natural population. The synthetic seed technology provides alternative methods for production of seeds by using various plant parts viz. shoot apices, nodal explants, somatic embryos etc. The quick development in somatic embryogenesis methods permits the use of somatic embryos in plant micropropagation as synthetic seeds. The present review discusses the need for conservation and alternative methods for conservation and exchange of germplasm through the development of synthetic seeds.