ABSTRACT
Cryopreservation is becoming a very important tool for the long-term storage of plant genetic resources using a minimum of space and maintenance. More recently, cryopreservation is reported to offer a real hope for long-term conservation of endangered germplasm (Hargreaves et al., 1997; Touchell, 2000; Turner et al., 2000). Cryopreservation is based on the noninjurious reduction and subsequent interruption of metabolic functions of biological materials by temperature reduction to the level of LN2 (–196°C). Availability and the development of safe, cost-effective, and reliable cryogenic protocols, and subsequent plant regeneration without genetic change, are basic requirements for plant germplasm conservation.
