July 08, 2025 | Daily Observer |
Researchers at Rajshahi University have developed a low-cost tissue culture technique to mass-produce high-quality pineapple seedlings. Led by Professor Dr. Md. Giasuddin Ahmed and his team, the project uses somatic embryogenesis to grow healthy, sweet, and robust plants from pineapple crowns. Traditional propagation methods yield only a few seedlings per plant, but this lab-based technique can produce hundreds within three months. The process involves inducing callus formation, sub-culturing to generate embryonic seedlings, and acclimatizing them for outdoor planting. The team uses a pH-balanced drip irrigation system and specially prepared organic soil for optimal growth. Some experimental plants have already begun fruiting, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness. This biotechnological approach addresses issues of poor taste and quality caused by artificial ripening and offers a sustainable alternative for large-scale pineapple cultivation. It also reduces production costs and enhances resistance to pests and diseases. The method is being extended to other crops like potatoes and strawberries, offering wide agricultural benefits. Overall, the innovation holds promise for improving fruit quality and boosting profitability for farmers in Bangladesh.
