Cryobiotechnology of forest trees: recent advances and future prospects

• DOI: 10.1007/s10531-017-1481-y
• Publication Date: 2017-12-01T11:13:14Z
• Authors: Jing-Wei Li; Elif Aylin Ozudogru; Jiao Li; Min-Rui Wang; Wen-Lu Bi; Maurizio Lambardi; Qiao-Chun Wang
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; 13. Climate action; Cryopreservation Embryogenic callus Forest Genetic resource Genetic stability Seeds Shoot tips; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Globally, forests are of great economic importance and play a vital role in maintaining friendly ecological environments, sustainability of eco-systems, and biodiversity. Harsh environments, human activities and climate warming have long threatened the diversity of forest genetic resources. Among all conservation strategies, cryopreservation is at present time considered an ideal means for long-term conservation of plant genetic resources. To date, studies on cryopreservation of forest trees have been far behind agricultural and horticultural crops. The present review provides a comprehensive and update information on recent advances in cryopreservation of shoot tips, somatic embryogenic callus and seeds of forest trees. Assessments of genetic stability in the regenerants following cryopreservation were also analyzed and addressed. Further studies on cryopreservation of forest trees are proposed and needed. By doing so, we expect to reevoke research interests and promote further developments in forest tree cryobiotechnology, thus assisting to ensure maintenance of biodiversity of genetic resources of forest trees.