Detection and control of bacterial contaminants of plant tissue cultures. A review of recent literature

Preventing or avoiding microbial contamination of plant tissue cultures is critical to successful micropropagation. Epiphytic aIKI endophytic organisms can cause severe losses to micropropagated plants at each stage of growth (Cassells. 1991; Debergh arxi Vanderschaeghe. 1988; Leifert eot at. 1991). Bacterial contaminants are often diffiCult to detect because they remain mostly within the plant tissue (D:ebergh and Vanderschaeghe. 1988; De Fossard and De Fossard. 1988; Viss eot al.. 1991). COntaminated plants may have no visible symptoms. reduced multiplication and rooting rates. or may die (Leifert et ai., 1989; 1992). Introduction of microorganisms due to poor aseptic technique or improperly sterilized equipment can be COITttted with improvements in training or equipment handling. but eliminating internal contaminants is more problematic (Buckley et al.. 1995). -