Tissue culture: Present scenario and future prospects in litchi management

Abstract

The present context elaborates the potential of tissue culture in production of quality planting materials in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). The plant is native to China but also grows well in India, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, parts of Africa, Israel, Australia and at higher elevations in Mexico and Central and South America. However, its commercial cultivation is limited to only a few subtropical countries in the world due to its specific climatic requirements. With increased commercial importance coupled with rapid expanding market at both the national and international level, it is imperative to assure sufficient production of quality planting materials in litchi. In this review several in vitro culture techniques in litchi will be highlighted.