Conifer somatic embryogenesis-an efficient plant regeneration system for theoretical studies and mass propagation

Since the first report of somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce in 1985, the in vitro process has been initiated for a number of conifer species belonging to different genera. The process of somatic embryogenesis involves initiation, proliferation, maturation and plantlets (emblings) regeneration. The initiation of somatic embryogenesis is restricted mostly to juvenile explants, although recently explants taken from adult trees produced embryogenic tissues. The successful initiation, maturation and emblings regeneration are affected by factors as developmental stage of primary explants, genotype, plant growth regulators content in the culture medium, light conditions. Optimisation of mentioned factors resulted in regeneration of emblings capable of growing after transfer to soil.