Abstract

 The aim of this literature review is to describe

the main techniques for short and long term germplasm

conservation. These techniques allow establishment of

germplasm banks. This article focuses on their use

in tropical crops. In vitro  preservation techniques

have allowed conservation of plant genetic resources

for further use in plant breeding, research and food

security purposes. Several research centers have used

these techniques for tissue and seed storage of tropical

crops, mainly for those that are difficult to preserve

 conventionally.

Keywords: Cryopreservation, tissue culture, phytogenetic resources.