In vitro conservation and cryopreservation of genetic resources of Musa spp. — A review of the recent developments with special reference to India

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are one of the most important fruit-food crops worldwide. Their genetic resources are conserved ex situ in field genebanks, in vitro genebanks and in cryo-genebanks. The paper gives an overview on the status of conservation of genetic resources of this important crop. Various techniques adopted for in vitro conservation have been reviewed, highlighting the ones practically adopted for in vitro active genebanks (IVAG) in national and international collections, along with their advantages and drawbacks. Progress on cryopreserved germplasm in various in vitro base genebanks (IVBG) or cryogenebanks has been summarized. Factors that impact in vitro conservation and cryo-preservation in banana are analyzed along with the genetic stability at phenotypic and molecular levels. Progress at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi with respect to in vitro conservation and cryopreservation of Musa genetic resources is summarized.