People from the Rockhampton-Gladstone-Emerald area are invited to find out more about plant tissue culture - the art and science of growing plants in test tubes.

A five-day Plant Tissue Culture for Beginners training course will be held at CQU Rockhampton from October 4-8.

CQU Plant Sciences lecturer Dr Nanjappa Ashwath said this technique has been commercially exploited in plant breeding and biodiversity conservation, and in rapid multiplication of vegetatively propagated crops.

"This five-day training course is designed for those who have an interest in PTC, but have no previous experience. Thus, the course deals with media preparation, disinfestation and various techniques of tissue culture," he said.

"The participants will be supplied with lecture notes and a tissue culture kit, so that they can begin to practice PTC in their home environments soon after completing the training." A maximum of 15 candidates will be enrolled on first-come-first served basis.

Details of costs and registration are available via 4930 6870.