The biology of sugarcane makes it useful to develop in-vitro germplasm conservation and exchange methods. Various approaches exist, using somatic embryogenesis or bud and meristem culture. Bud and meristeme culture from disease indexed materials provides a suitable source for producing in-vitro plantlets that can be exchanged and quickly multiplied through micropropagation. It may help eliminate diseases of unknown etiology. Experience with medium term consevration of in-vitro plantlets in slow growth conditions illustrates its vulnerability; duplication of such collections is necessary if they are to ensure the conservation of unique materials. Medium or long term conservation may, however, be better ensured by apex cryopreservation