Somatic embryogenesis: method for vegetative reproduction of conifers

Abstract

For Pinus nigra Arn. somatic embryogenesis has been initiated from immature zygotic embryos enclosed
in megagametophytes. The initiated embryogenic tissues contain bipolar structures – somatic embryos
consisted of meristematic embryonal part and long vacuolised suspensor cells. The embryogenic tissues/
cultures are usually maintained on solid or liquid nutrient media. For long-term storage, recently the method of
cryopreservation has been used to replace the time consuming regular transfers to nutrient media. The initiated
cell lines represent individual genotypes and the structure of somatic embryos as well as their maturation is
cell line dependent. The maturation of early somatic embryos occurs on media containing abscisic acid and
osmotica. The process of somatic embryogenesis is completed by plantlet (somatic seedlings) regeneration.