Tissue culture of Muscari species: present achievements and future perspectives.

Species of the Muscari genus (Asparagaceae) are highly specialized ornamental plants, but some of their natural populations are under threat. Biotechnology, including in vitro tissue culture, allows for clonal material of important germplasm Muscari to be produced in volume. This review focuses on the achievements that have been attained in the in vitro tissue culture of members of this genus and evaluates the effects that biotic (genotype, explant choice) and abiotic factors (physical and chemical conditions in vitro) have on regeneration. Current applications and future perspectives of tissue-cultured Muscari species as a tool for large-scale clonal propagation as well as germplasm storage and genetic improvement of germplasm via other biotechnological methods are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]