Somatic Embryogenesis and Transformation Studies in Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a valuable monocotyledonous plant distributed worldwide as a spice crop. Biotechnological improvement is necessary for enhancing ginger's tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of monocotyledonous plants has been well established in recent years. Somatic embryogenesis is an efficient tissue culture and plant regeneration method used for genetic transformation studies. The present chapter explains the best conditions required for the gene transformation of ginger via somatic embryogenesis. The commercial production of ginger is limited by several factors. Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration is considered the most suitable plant propagation method for genetic transformation. Somatic embryogenesis is an efficient tissue culture and plant regeneration method used for genetic transformation studies. Ginger is a unique spice crop used in many countries for medicinal and culinary preparations. Ginger is used as a common condiment in many foods and beverages as it gives them a special flavor. It is used in the preparation of gingerbread, soups, biscuits, puddings, ginger jams, cakes, pickles and drinks like ginger beer, ginger tea and ginger wine. The rhizome of ginger is a widely used in the Chinese, Japanese and Indian traditional medicine systems. It possesses several medicinal properties, such as a stimulant of the gastrointestinal tract, a carminative and a diuretic, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. Somatic embryogenesis is an important plant regeneration method that resembles zygotic embryogenesis.