Biotic Contamination and Possible Ways of Sterilization: A Review with Reference to Bamboo Micropropagation.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Multipurpose use of bamboo in rural life makes it as poor man’s timber in Asian countries. Deforestation and industrialization leads to destruction of natural forest. To replenish, a rapid plantation of bamboo could be one of the possible solutions. Bamboo is propagated mainly by vegetative methods though it is not suitable for large scale plantation because of several limitations. Micropropagation is gaining importance for large scale propagation because of its capability in raising huge number of true to type propagules in a limited space in very short span of time. Like any other plant, the chief constraint of bamboo micropropagtion is in vitro contamination arises from several sources including explants. Most of the contaminants are reduced by maintaining aseptic conditions. The surface adhering microbial contaminant (Epiphytic) is usually checked by using several available surface sterilants. But the endophytic contaminant (present within the explants) is not easily controlled. Endophytic fungus could be controlled by using systemic fungicides but controlling bacteria is again more troublesome. Antibiotic with broad spectrum activity coupled with low phytotoxicity is prerequisite to get better results. Treatment duration and type of antibiotic are the critical factor to reduce the contamination. But unscientific use of antibiotic may lead to the development of resistant microbial strains. That is why antibiotic selection after identification of the contaminants may be an efficient way to counter this problem. The present review is done on use of antibiotic controlling bacterial contamination during micropropagation special reference to bamboo.