Progress in Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation of Amorphophallus Blume
魔芋属植物组织培养与遗传转化研究进展

This article reviews the progress in biotechnology research and development of Amorphophallus Blume (konjac ) in the past 20 years. At present, tissue culture is a major part of the konjac biotechnology. In vitro plant regeneration occurs mainly via organogenesis, which consists of bud or cormlet formation; the latter is the focal point of current research. Useful results have been obtained in the selection of useful somaclonal variation and germplasm conservation by konjac tissue culture. In addition, rapid progress has been made in genetic transformation, with the aim of improving disease resistance and quality. Disease- and herbicide-resistant genes have been successfully transformed into konjac plants. Meanwhile, problems remaining for biotechnology research and development are discussed, and the solutions pertinent to the problems are also put forward.