Biotechnological advances in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) breeding

Abstract

The aim of Hevea breeding is to provide new varieties/clones which are genetically superior in terms of yield, disease tolerance, better adaptability to climatic fluctuations and good timber quality. Although traditional breeding strategies could achieve a substantial increase in yield, breaking the current yield plateau is possible only with the aid of nonconventional breeding strategies. In addition to large-scale propagation, tissue culture holds unique advantages for crop improvement and this has been utilized successfully in many crops for specific purposes. Various tissue-culture techniques like somatic embryogenesis, embryo rescue, culture of protoplast, anther, pollen and embryo sac are practiced in Hevea. Interventions were also made in the area of molecular breeding through the development of molecular markers and through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic manipulation. The present chapter gives an overview on the constraints in Hevea breeding and reviews the progress of in vitro techniques comprehensively towards complementing conventional breeding. A road map to effectively combine the traditional and non-traditional methods for future Hevea breeding is presented. This takes on importance in the present scenario of unprecedented climatic vagaries and resource constraints. Progress made in the advancement of biotechnological applications in the natural rubber-producing tree Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. worldwide and its implications in breeding are described in detail.