Temperature and lighting requirements for growth of cultures
The main physical requirement for the growth and maintenance of plant cell tissue cultures is the ability maintains a constant temperature of 25c+-2c. Where plant cell tissue cultures are being maintained on a small scale then a standard, microbiological incubator, with lighting if possible, will suffice. If a more ambitious plant cell tissue culture program is undertaken then to sitting up of a tissue culture room is recommended. This room should be fitted with a temperature thermostat and shelves on which to place the cultures with the underneath of the shelves being used to support fluorescent strips to illuminate those cultures that require light. The lights should be attached to timers so that the length of light and darkness can be controlled. Finally it is recommended that cupboards are fitted for cultures that do not require lights.
For the initiation of suspension cultures, shakers will be required (see Appendix A).
The cheapest and certainly the easiest to obtain are open platform orbital shakers that can be situated on the bench, or floor of a tissue culture room. If these are not practical, then enclosed orbital shakers with fluorescent lights can be obtained but the enclosed types are considerably more expensive. When purchasing shakers it is necessary to obtain those with an integral cooling circuit, as the motors can generate substantial amounts of heat which, if not cooled, can be directed out into the culture room and contribute to an increase in the ambient temperature