Hyperhydricity Syndrome in In Vitro Plants: Mechanisms, Physiology, and Control.

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Plant Physiology
• In Vitro Culture

Background:

• Hyperhydricity, or vitrification, is a common physiological disorder in plants cultured in vitro.
• This condition leads to significant financial losses in commercial plant propagation and research.
• Despite extensive study, a comprehensive understanding and effective prevention strategies for hyperhydricity remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an integrated overview of hyperhydricity in vitro plantlets.
• To summarize known factors contributing to hyperhydricity.
• To outline effective prevention and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing factors influencing in vitro hyperhydricity (gelling agents, regulators, ventilation, light, osmotic conditions).
• Description of physiological and internal changes (ROS/ethylene imbalance, antioxidant capacity, cell wall defects, lignification).
• Accumulation of ultrastructural characteristics and HPLC metabolite profiles.
• Introduction of AI-assisted machine learning models (MLM) for detection and optimization.

Main Results:

• Identified key factors contributing to hyperhydricity, including media components, environmental conditions, and gas exchange.
• Detailed physiological and metabolic alterations in hyperhydric plantlets.
• Highlighted the potential of AI-MLM approaches for early detection and parameter optimization.
• Evaluated various protective strategies against hyperhydric conditions.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of hyperhydricity's causes and physiological impacts is crucial for mitigation.
• Integrated strategies combining environmental control, media optimization, and advanced detection methods are essential.
• This review provides a framework to reduce hyperhydricity in commercial and research settings, improving plant propagation efficiency.