Micropropagation of Major Tuber Crops: A Review

Abstract

In global food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods development, tuber crops such as potato, cassava, sweet potato, yam, and taro play a critical role. Due to various challenges in conventional propagation methods, micropropagation has emerged as a promising biotechnological approach for the rapid and large-scale production of disease-free, genetically uniform plantlets. This study systematically reviews and compares micropropagation protocols across five major tuber crops, such as potato, cassava, taro, sweet potato, and yam by analysing key parameters such as explant type, culture medium, plant growth regulators, and type of regeneration. A comprehensive analysis of selected research articles reveals both commonalities and crop-specific variations in tissue culture practices. Most protocols rely on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, with nodal segments and shoot tips being the preferred explants. Cytokinins such as BAP (Benzyl Amino Purine), often in combination with auxins like NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic Acid) or IAA (Indole Acetic Acid), are widely used to induce regeneration through micropropagation and or organogenesis pathways. The findings underscore the adaptability of micropropagation techniques to different tuber crops and highlight the importance of optimized hormone combinations and explant choices. These insights provide a valuable foundation for standardizing and improving in vitro propagation systems aimed at sustainable production and genetic improvement of tuber crops. Finally, this review concludes that micropropagation is essential for rapid, disease-free, and large-scale multiplication of the selected crops.