Application of tissue culture to cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) breeding: An appraisal
Keywords:
Cashew, Invitro Culture, Breeding, Explant Browning, Growth Regulators.Abstract
Summary of the previous works on the in vitro culture of cashew is highlighted with emphasis on the
critical factors that influence the explants response and plantlet regeneration. The recalcitrant nature of
cashew has been attributed to the limited success recorded so far in the in vitro culture of the crop and
abnormal development has been reported in the calli derived from its explants.Browning of explants in
cashew was found to be due to the presence of high secondary metabolites and it has been reduced
through frequent transfer of explants, addition of activated charcoal and dark treatment. Explants
necrosis has also been traced to the effect of strong sterilization. Meanwhile, the use of explants from
in vitro germinated seedlings or fungicidal treated young flush has been found to improve the success
rate significantly. The use of MS base salt supplemented with two-step treatment of cytokinins
enhances the response of cashew explants and development of derived plantlets.
