Low cost options for energy and labour

Artificial lighting of cultures in the growth rooms is one of the most expensive and inefficient methods in tissue culture technology. Changing illumination from artificial to natural light is a decisive low cost option in tissue culture. This reduces electricity and capital costs and also improves plant quality. Maintaining in vitro cultures at a regulated temperature with air conditioners adds to the cost. Many in vitro growing plants can tolerate wide fluctuations in temperature, and adapt better to field conditions than those grown under even temperature. Plants hardened under natural light are sturdy, and withstand transplantation better in the field. Production of plants based on tissue culture technology and their subsequent growing is a labour intensive system. Even in developing countries, where labour is relatively less costly, increasing the efficiency of production is relevant to reduce the cost of tissue-cultured plants Hiring expertise from established R and D laboratories reduces overhead costs and is indispensable to reduce losses from contamination. (author)