QUEZON CITY, Philippines – If you're a farmer or agriculture enthusiast looking for innovative ways to propagate plants, tissue culture might just be worth trying.
In episode 198 of "Agri Asenso" aired on February 7, 2025, Dominic Galimba and John Fabia discussed the fundamental steps involved in tissue culture. Galimba and Fabia are plant tissue culturists and academic supervisors from the Reotutar Institute of Science, Arts, and Trade, Inc. in Brgy. Lipay, Villasis, Pangasinan, which is an accredited Private Agriculture and Fisheries - Extension Service Provider by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
Essentially, it involves taking a part of the plant—especially the growing points—cleaning them thoroughly to get rid of any microbes, and then placing them in a growth medium that looks like gelatin inside a bottle. The key is to keep it contamination-free, allowing the plant to grow and multiply quickly.
Why Sterilization Matters
Sterilization is a crucial part of the process. The bottles and the media are put in a pressure cooker to get rid of any lurking microorganisms. Without this step, microbes could invade the bottle within 2-5 days, ruining the whole effort. Clean bottles mean a higher chance of success in growing new plants.
Don't have a pressure cooker? No problem! You can use a regular pot and steam the bottles for three hours. The next day, the bottles will be ready for planting.
Go for Tissue Culture
So, why bother with tissue culture in the first place? There are several good reasons. It helps isolate viruses and diseases that might be attached to the plant, ensuring healthier growth. Additionally, it expedites the propagation process, which makes it a more effective method of plant growth.
Getting Started with Tissue Culture
If you're interested in trying tissue culture, it's important to understand the basics. For appropriate guidance, it is a good measure to consult with organizations like the Reotutar Institute of Science, Arts, and Trade, Inc., even if there are many resources available online and on YouTube.
“You don't need a huge budget either,” shares Galimba. “With around 10,000 pesos, you can get essential equipment like a transfer case, agricultural-grade chemicals, and plant growth hormones. Even everyday household items like a gas stove and a pot can be used for sterilization.”
The future of the Philippine agriculture industry looks promising as more individuals adopt tissue culture techniques. This innovative method has the potential to create a more sustainable and productive sector, ensuring quality and better yields.
For more details on tissue culture and its benefits, check out the entire episode with Galimba and Fabia at https://fb.watch/xYQb9R4ZO8/.
