Tissue Culture of Bamboo – Breakthrough by Indian Scientists (1990)
A.F. Mascarenhas
R.S. Nadgauda
V.A. Parasharami
Institution: National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra
Successfully developed a tissue culture technique for bamboo propagation.
One of the first efforts in India to use biotechnology for large-scale bamboo production.
- Overcoming Natural Limitations
Bamboo has a long flowering cycle (often taking decades).
Conventional propagation through seeds is unreliable due to irregular seed production.
Tissue culture provided a fast and efficient method for mass multiplication.
- Commercial and Environmental Impact
Enabled large-scale cultivation of bamboo for afforestation and commercial use.
Boosted the paper, furniture, and handicraft industries.
Helped in reforestation efforts and combating deforestation.
- Advancement in Plant Biotechnology
Established tissue culture as a viable method for cloning economically important plants.
Opened the door for micropropagation techniques in forestry and agriculture.
Their research laid the foundation for commercial bamboo farming in India.
Inspired further advancements in plant tissue culture for other species.
Contributed to eco-friendly and sustainable solutions in agriculture.
