Recent advances in Pelargonium in vitro regeneration systems

Recent advances in the development of protocols for in vitro culture and ge netic manipulation have provided new avenues for the development of novel v arieties of Pelargonium and for use as model systems for investigating the factors controlling plant morphogenesis. Optimized techniques of meristem c ulture have supplemented the culture indexing methods in commercial greenho use production resulting in availability of large-scale pathogen indexed pl anting material. Currently, technologies are available for the mass in vitr o propagation of F1 hybrid Pelargonium through both organogenesis and somat ic embryogenesis. The somatic embryogenesis model system has allowed resear chers to identify critical factors controlling plant morphogenesis in vitro such as regulation of regeneration by growth regulators, choice of explant and characterization of induction and expression phases of morphogenesis i n Pelargonium. Also, optimization of technologies for genetic transformatio n of Pelargonium opened up the possibilities for developing genotypes with novel characters, including resistance to some of the major diseases. Final ly, the development of regeneration systems for Pelargonium spp. has facili tated conventional crop improvement programs, thereby providing a valuable resource to the horticultural industry.