Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant tissue culture is the {in vitro} cultivation of plant cells, tissues, or organs on a nutrient-rich medium under sterile conditions.
It is based on the biological principle of Totipotency, which states that every living plant cell has the genetic potential to regenerate into a complete, fertile plant.
The development of this field started with theoretical propositions before successful laboratory techniques were established.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's look at the scientific history represented by the names in the options:
1. Gottlieb Haberlandt (D): In 1902, this German botanist was the first to propose the idea of culturing isolated plant cells in a nutrient solution. He predicted that such cells could be kept alive and potentially grow into whole plants. Although his own experiments were not fully successful (due to the lack of plant hormones which were undiscovered at the time), his vision laid the foundation for the entire field. Thus, he is honored as the Father of Plant Tissue Culture.
2. Jethro Tull (A): An 18th-century English agricultural pioneer. He is known as the "Father of Tillage" and invented the seed drill. He has no relation to biotechnology or tissue culture.
3. Folke Karl Skoog (B) and Toshio Murashige (C): These were 20th-century scientists (working in the 1960s) who revolutionized the practice of tissue culture. They formulated the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, which is the most widely used nutrient medium in the world today. While their work was vital for the commercial success of tissue culture, they arrived much later than Haberlandt.
4. Other Notable Names: P.R. White (successful root culture), Steward (demonstrated totipotency in carrot cells).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Gottlieb Haberlandt is considered the father of tissue culture due to his pioneering concepts of cell culture and totipotency.
The correct option is (D).