Cell, Tissue Culture, and Gene Transfer Techniques for Tasar (Wild) Sericulture Plants-Introspect and Prospect

The in vitro tissue culture and micropropagation of Terminalia spp.-important sericulture plants-have been well established. The rapid and repeatable in vitro response to plant growth regulator treatments has emerged as an essential complement of transformation studies for these plant species. We address in our studies with Terminalia arjuna and T. bellerica, host plants of tasar silkworm that are important also as ethnopharmacological plants. In this article, tissue culture regeneration strategies, advancements, and improvements in genetic transformation of Terminalia species are reviewed. Finally we propose conclusions and future prospects for these economically important sericultural tree species.