Aussie scientists use cryopreservation to save threatened native plants

Scientists at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia are using a process similar to storing human embryos to preserve native plants threatened by the invasive fungus, myrtle rust. This fungus has already put many species from the Myrtaceae family at risk. The fungus affects their reproductive ability and may also prevent their seeds from being stored in seed banks. To safeguard these species, the scientists are employing cryopreservation, which involves freezing small plant shoots in liquid nitrogen for indefinite storage. The preserved shoots can later be regenerated for potential reintroduction into the wild. This effort aims to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity in the face of myrtle rust.

Source – CGTN