Acclimatization of micropropagated plants to ex vitro conditions

Abstract

The special conditions during in vitro culture result in the formation of plantlets of abnormal morphology, anatomy and physiology. After ex vitro transfer, these plantlets might easily be impaired by sudden changes in environmental conditions, and so need a period of acclimatization to correct the abnormalities. This review is focused upon contemporary information on the changes in leaf structure, water relations and photosynthesis during acclimatization of plantlets to ex vitro conditions. It also describes some ways of improving plant survival and for the speeding up of acclimatization.