ADVANCES IN PLANT TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES FOR CONSERVATION OF RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANTS

Plant tissue culture represents a pivotal advancement in modern biotechnology, offering efficient, scalable, and sustainable methods for conserving rare and endangered plant species.As biodiversity faces unprecedented threats from habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change, in vitro techniques enable the propagation and long-term preservation of valuable germplasm.Core approaches-micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, and synthetic seed technology-facilitate rapid clonal multiplication and the maintenance of genetic integrity.Cryopreservation and in vitro slow-growth storage provide reliable options for long-and medium-term conservation, while molecular markers ensure genetic fidelity and identity verification.Innovations such as temporary immersion bioreactors, automated culture systems, and osmotic-regulated media have improved efficiency and reduced labor intensity.Moreover, integrating molecular diagnostics, DNA barcoding, and somaclonal variation screening strengthens quality control in conservation pipelines.Field reintroduction studies confirm that acclimatized, tissue-culture-derived plants can successfully establish and restore declining populations when supported by habitat protection and stakeholder collaboration.Collectively, advances in plant tissue culture have redefined conservation biology, enabling the secure preservation, restoration, and sustainable utilization of global plant diversity.