Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) in monocotyledonous plants: A comprehensive review of a specialized pathway for plant propagation

Abstract

Protocorm-Like Bodies (PLBs) have emerged as promising tools for the regeneration of monocotyledonous plants, offering valuable applications in agriculture, horticulture, and conservation. Mimicking early plant embryo development, PLBs provide an efficient method for clonal propagation, enabling the large-scale production of monocots, including economically important crops and endangered species. This review examines the key methodologies for PLB induction, emphasizing the importance of explant selection, culture medium composition, and environmental factors. It explores the potential of PLBs in plant breeding, genetic engineering, and conservation of genetic diversity, highlighting their ability to produce genetically uniform plants for ex situ conservation efforts. Despite these advantages, challenges, such as somaclonal variation and genotype-dependent responses, limit broader commercial applications. This review discusses strategies to mitigate these issues, including optimizing growth regulators and utilizing molecular markers for early detection of genetic variation. Despite the promising advantages of PLBs, this review identifies the need for further research to overcome existing challenges, particularly in minimizing genetic variability and optimizing protocols for diverse monocot species. This review also identifies the need for continuous research on the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying PLB development to refine tissue culture techniques, minimize variability, and improve regeneration efficiency. Integrating PLB propagation with cutting-edge biotechnological advancements promises to advance plant science and support sustainable agriculture and the preservation of global biodiversity.