Biotechnological Approaches to Biodiversity conservation of Multipurpose Tree Species

Biological diversity of several multipurpose tree species mainly found in forests is being lost because of drought, climate change and deforestation. To reverse the trend of loss of genetic resources an integrated strategy for resource management and maintenance of biological diversity is essential and urgent. Biotechnogical approaches for conservation using seeds, embryonic axes, pollen and in vitro cultures have been very useful. Low (+5 to -20 C ) and Ultra-low (-196C) temperature storage and in vitro conservation and cryopreservation have yielded promising results. The advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the storage techniques should be evaluated before applying on a large scale. If used judiciously, the methods available so far should contribute significantly to the conservation of valuable genetic resources of multipurpose tree species.