Joint China–Antigua and Barbuda Training Advances Plant Tissue Cultivation to Address Seedling Shortages
By Tyreke G Thomas-Horsford
A key outcome of the ongoing agricultural cooperation programme between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China is the enhancement of agricultural research, technology, and innovation. As part of these efforts to address the longstanding shortage of high‑quality, healthy seedlings in Antigua and Barbuda, a hands-on technical training session on plant tissue cultivation was held on January 21, 2026, at the China–Antigua and Barbuda Modern Agricultural International Science and Technology Cooperation Base in Bethesda.
The session was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy—specifically the Crop Research and Development Division—and the China-Aided Agricultural Technology Project in Antigua and Barbuda. Participants included Ministry of Agriculture staff recommended by Senior Research Officer Mrs. Maudvere Bradford, along with members of the project team.
Leading the workshop was Dr. Lu Jiaju, an expert assigned to the China-Aided Agricultural Technology Project and an associate researcher at the Guizhou Institute of Subtropical Crops. Dr. Lu guided participants through proper laboratory attire protocols and outlined the procedures required for entering and working within a standardized plant tissue culture laboratory.
He provided a detailed overview of laboratory functional zones and equipment operations, emphasizing critical stages of tissue cultivation: reagent preparation, electronic balance usage, medium formulation, sterilization procedures, explant disinfection, inoculation techniques, and cultivation management. Dr. Lu also conducted live demonstrations, ensuring participants were able to convert theoretical knowledge into practical skill.
As the first specialized tissue culture facility in Antigua and Barbuda, the laboratory is equipped with essential devices such as laminar flow hoods, high‑pressure sterilizers, and constant‑temperature incubators.
All equipment and technical assistance were provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, laying a solid foundation for the standardization of tissue culture procedures in the country.
Throughout the training, Dr. Lu emphasized the importance of maintaining aseptic conditions.
He thoroughly reviewed laboratory cleaning and disinfection protocols to ensure the environment met strict experimental standards.
During the medium‑preparation segment, he instructed participants on correctly weighing and dissolving components—including agar, sucrose, and MS salts—while maintaining precise control over dissolution order and pH balance.
Using sweet potato cuttings as the experimental material, Dr. Lu demonstrated best practices in explant disinfection, including rinsing, alcohol immersion, and sodium hypochlorite treatment, highlighting the importance of proper timing. Inoculation procedures were performed inside laminar flow cabinets, where trainees observed and practiced cutting and inoculating explants.
Participants then engaged in group practice sessions, during which Dr. Lu provided hands-on guidance and addressed questions in real time.
This blended model—combining theory with practical application—helped participants gain foundational knowledge of plant tissue cultivation. The training also strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to independently produce high-quality seedlings in the future.
Simultaneously, additional training on laboratory management and equipment maintenance is being conducted for the core team who will oversee the facility once it becomes officially operational.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
