Agricultural and Biological Research

Plant tissue culture techniques for in vitro mass multiplication of Prosopis cineraria (L.) in Thar Desert of Rajasthan

Ravi Kumar*, Sunita Bhandari and Sarita

Prosopis cineraria (L.) is commonly known as Khejri or Shami. It is a multipurpose tree species found in arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian subcontinent. Its ecological significance includes soil stabilization and nitrogen fixation, while economically, it provides timber, fuelwood and fodder. Medicinally, various parts of the tree are used in traditional remedies for conditions like diabetes and respiratory ailments. Conventional propagation methods for Prosopis cineraria are often inadequate for its large-scale production. In vitro tissue culture techniques offer a viable alternative for mass multiplication and conservation of this valuable species. This review provides an in-depth analysis of various plant tissue culture methods employed for the in vitro propagation of Prosopis cineraria. The review also discusses the challenges, optimization strategies and potential applications of these techniques.