An Improved Acclimatization Unit

Details of present/Existing Technology. Shortfall / Technological gaps in the existing technology

Hardening of the tissue culture raised plants for their successful transfer to the fields is a specialized and often a technical step. Many a times in order to control the relative humidity, temperature and light, highly sophisticated and expensive green houses are put into use which are beyond the means of small growers/nurserymen. The need for a simplified hardening chamber has been felt and it was for this reason that a multipurpose hardening chamber using the locally available materials was designed, constructed and used successfully.

Approach adopted in new technology to evade technological gap in the exiting one

Due emphasis was laid on simplifying the design preferably using the locally available material and also ease in the operation. The new design is suitable for hardening of a variety of plant materials and can be blown up to any size.

Advantages

The hardening units described so far are sophisticated ones leading to escalation in costs. Such methods can not be used by small growers especially in developing countries like India. The unit presently devised, provides a comparatively cheaper and versatile module for use, in different plant species. Moreover, it facilitates rooting and hardening of microshoots as a one step procedure. The intensity of light, CO2 concentration and medium flow can be regulated with comparative ease. It also saves in terms of time and cost. Further, the unit can be used independently or a series of units can be interconnected to increase area of operation.

Applications

Agriculture, Horticulture and Floriculture
For rooting of microshoots and hardening of tissue culture raised plants under ex vitro conditions

Status of Development : Ready for Commercial Use

Patenting Details: Patent application pending in Patent office (279/DEL/99dtd.19.02/99)

Contact for more information:

Director
Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology
Post Box No.6 Palampur
Himachal Pradesh - 176 061
India