Tissue culture and micropropagation of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is one of China??s most traditional flowers. It is also one of the most remarkable flowering ornamentals with a rich history of breeding. The speed and success of propagation have always been a major concern for breeders and cultivators. Tissue culture is one of the few effective methods to overcome these inherent difficulties. This article reviews advances made on various aspects of tree peony tissue culture and micropropagation, including the in vitro culture of buds, stem apex, leaves and petioles, sexual embryos and ovules, somatic embryos, anther and callus. Since the vast majority of literature is published in Chinese, this review provides a unique and valuable resource and spring-board from which to initiate or further studies related to in vitro culture of tree peony.