International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2278 - 3202 1 5 2012 09 10 Production and Applications of Artificial seeds: A Review 74 78 EN Bhosagar Dullav 1 Department of Environmental Sciences (Auto) Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar-768019, Orissa, INDIA BhoiLakshmikanti 2 Mishra P.C. 3 AlitonouGuy Alain 1 Lab. d’Etude et de Recherche en Chimie Appliquée, Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou BENIN Avlessi Felicien 2 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, IBMM UMR CNRS-UM1-UM2, ENSCM, rue de l’Ecole Normale, Montpellier cedex, FRANCE Yehouenou Boniface 3 KoudoroYaya Alain 4 MenutChantalandSohounhloue Dominique 5 DharaskarSwapnilA. 1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, MS, INDIA PatilRahul D. 2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Pravara Rural Engineering College, Loni, Ahmednagar, MS, INDIA Joseph Baby 1 nterdisciplinary Research Centre, Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, Kaliakkavilai- 629 153, Tamil Nadu, INDIA NairVrundhaM 2 Department of Bioinformatics, Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, Kaliakkavilai- 629 153, Tamil Nadu, INDIA Ch 3 ySusheel G. 4 ParamanathaSwamidoss D. 1 Department of Environmental Science, PSN College of Engg and Tech, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, INDIA SudhakaranM.R. 2 Department of Zoology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi, Tamilnadu, INDIA Parvathiraj P. 3 SharmaP.K. 1 Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla, INDIA Ch 2 D. 3 KhelkerTuneer 1 Department of Botany Govt. K.P.G. College Jagdalpur Bastar C.G, PIN 494001 INDIA Haque Nurul 2 PraveenKumarG.N. 1 Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Institute of Technology, Soladevanahalli, Bangalore-560 090, INDIA BhatSumangala K. 2 GorhamK. 1 Department of Science and Technology, Bryant University, Smithfield, RI, USA Hokeness K. 2 HemlalH 1 Department of Chemistry, Karpagam University, Eachanari, Coimbatore-641 021, INDIA Subban Ravi 2 Pepsi A. 1 Department of Botany, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam, Kanyakumari – 629165, Tamilnadu, INDIA Department of Botany, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, Kanyakumari – 629003, Tamilnadu, INDIA BenC.P. 2 Jeeva S. 3 CarlsonK. 1 Central College, Department of Exercise Science, 812 University Street, Pella, IA, USA Smith M. 2 Department of Applied Health Science, Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL-60187, USA DhabhaiRavi 1 Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, P.O. Banasthali Vidyapith, INDIA Prakash An 2 3 > Review Paper 2012 7 2 2012 09 10 Artificial seeds are most commonly described as encapsulated somatic embryos. They are product of somatic cells, so can be used for large scale clonal propagation. Apart from somatic embryos, other explants such as shoot tips, axillary buds have also been used in preparation of artificial seeds. Artificial seeds have a variety of applications in plant biotechnology such as large scale clonal propagation, germplasm conservation, breeding of plants in which propagation trough normal seeds is not possible, genetic uniformity, easy storage and transportation etc. For some plants such as ornamental plants, propagation trough somatic embryogenesis and artificial seeds is the only way out. In the present paper- the types, advantages, production methods and various applications of artificial seeds have been reviewed. Copyright@ International Science Community Association