Application of Cell and Tissue Culture Technology for Mass Propagation of Elite Trees with Special Reference to Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.)

Forest genetics and tree improvement research in India is hardly three decade old. Tree improvement by convemional methods of prJpagation and breeding is slow and time consuming. To meet the demands of the 21st century, currendy practised tree improvement programmes are not adequate and there is going to be a severe shortage. Hence, there is an urgent need to improve the quality and quantity of forest trees to meet the demand. In this context rapid progagation of superior trees is of utmost importance. With a view to develop tissue culture techniques for mass propagation of elite trees of rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.) two approaches were undertaken which are reported in this paper.