Micropropagation of Anacardiaceae species of economic importance: advances and future prospects.
Moyo M., Staden J. van
Author Affiliation: Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa.
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant 49 : 85-96
Abstract : The Anacardiaceae family comprises tropical and subtropical deciduous trees with growing economic potential namely, Pistacia vera L. (pistachio), Mangifera indica L. (mango), Anacardium occidentale L. (cashew), and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro (marula). The rich gene pool offered by their respective wide genetic diversity as well as the greater adaptation to semi-arid environments makes these species ideal candidates for the development of future commercial cultivars. Some notable achievements have been recorded in the micropropagation of these Anacardiaceae species in the order M. indica > P. vera > A. occidentale > S. birrea subsp. caffra. This review highlights advances, challenges, and future prospects in micropropagation research of these Anacardiaceae family members for the past three decades. In addition, the review discusses the potential of liquid cultures and synthetic seed encapsulation technologies in the development of future research strategies.