Somatic embryogenesis,organogenesis, and regeneration from leaf callus culture of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Decalepis hamiltonii</Emphasis> Wight &; Arn., an endangered shrub

Summary A novel protocol has been developed for inducing somatic embryogenesis from leaf cultures of Decalepis hamiltonii. Callus was obtained from leaf sections in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)+N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)+BA. Nodular embryogenic callus developed from the cut end of explants on media containing 2,4-D and BA, whereas compact callus developed on media containing NAA and BA. Upon subsequent transfer of explants with primary callus onto MS media containing zeatin and/or gibberellic acid (GA₃) and BA, treatment with zeatin (13.68μM) and BA (10.65 μM) resulted in the induction of the highest number of somatic embryos directly from nodular tissue. The maturation of embryos took place along with the induction on the same medium. Embryogenic calluses with somatic embryos were subcultured onto MS basal medium supplemented with 4.56μM zeatin+10.65 μM BA. After 4wk, more extensive differentiation of somatic embryos was observed. The mature embryos developed into complete plantlets on growth regulator-free MS medium. A distinct feature of this study is the induction of somatic embryogenesis from leaf explants of Decalepis hamiltonii, which has not been reported previously. By using this protocol, complete plantlets could be regenerated through indirect somatic embryogenesis or organogenesis from leaf explants in 12–16 wk.     

Somatic embryogenesis from callus cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Terminalia chebula</Emphasis> Retz.: an important medicinal tree

Somatic embryogenesis was obtained from cotyledon and mature zygotic embryo callus cultures of Terminalia chebula Retz. Callus cultures of cotyledon and mature zygotic embryo were initiated on induction medium containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrients with 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) either 0.01 or 0.1 mg/l Kinetin and 30 g/l sucrose. Induction of somatic embryogenesis, proliferation and development was obtained through different culture passages. Embryogenic cotyledon callus with globular somatic embryos was obtained on MS basal medium supplemented with 50 g/l sucrose. Globular somatic embryos were observed from mature zygotic embryo callus on induction medium. Different stages of somatic embryo development from cotyledon and mature zygotic embryo calluses were observed on MS basal medium supplemented with 50 g/l sucrose after 4 weeks of culture. Histological studies have revealed the developmental stages of somatic embryos. A maximum of 40.3±1.45 cotyledonary somatic embryos/callus was obtained from mature zygotic embryo compared to 7.70±0.37 cotyledonary somatic embryos/callus initiated from cotyledons. Germination of somatic embryos and conversion to plants were achieved. Highest frequency of germination (46.66±0.88) of somatic embryos was obtained on MS basal medium containing benzyladenine (0.5 mg/l) with 30 g/l sucrose.     

Effects of type of explant and age,plant growth regulators and medium strength on somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus camaldulensis</Emphasis>

Plant regeneration was achieved through direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis in Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Callus was induced from mature zygotic embryos and from cotyledon explants collected from 10, 15, 25, and 30-day-old seedlings cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Maximum callus induction from mature zygotic embryos was obtained on MS basal medium containing 1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. The frequency of callus development varied based on the age of the cotyledon explants 10-day-old explants giving highest percentage on MS basal medium supplemented with 1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. Callus obtained from mature zygotic embryos gave highest frequency of somatic embryogenesis on MS basal medium containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 mg l⁻¹ NAA. Separate age wise culture of the calli, obtained from cotyledons of different ages cultured separately, revealed high somatic embryogenic potential on callus from 10-day-old cotyledons. Direct somatic embryogenesis too was obtained from hypocotyl explants without an intervening callus phase on MS basal medium containing 0.5 mg l⁻¹ BA. The effects of abscisic acid (ABA), sucrose, and different strengths of MS medium on somatic embryo maturation and germination were also investigated. Number of mature somatic embryos increased with lower concentrations (0–1 mg l⁻¹) of ABA while no significant differences were observed at higher concentrations (2–5 mg l⁻¹) of ABA. Compared to basal medium containing lower concentrations of sucrose (1%), the MS medium supplemented with higher levels of sucrose (4%) showed significantly lower frequency of mature somatic embryos. Basal medium without any dilution gave the highest number of immature embryos. However, the number of mature embryos was high at higher medium dilutions.     

Somatic embryogenesis in wild cherry (Prunus avium)

Indirect somatic embryogenesis was obtained inPrunus avium L. from either somatic or zygotic embryos. An embryogenic line was established by reinduction of embryogenic calluses from somatic embryos. The line was maintained for more than 3 years through 6 generations of embryogenic cultures. In the last 2 generations, more than 50% of the explants were embryogenic. Embryos at different stages of development were produced. Among cotyledonary-stage embryos, 50% had two cotyledons and a distinct hypocotyl, 43% had one or more than 2 cotyledons and 7% had fused cotyledons. Most of the embryos were translucent and conversion into plantlets was very rare. Secondary embryos could be observed to occur with low frequency from cultured somatic embryos and from embryos emerging from calluses. Indirect somatic embryogenesis was also induced from immature zygotic embryos. From one donor tree, 51% of the explants were embryogenic when cultured on a medium containing 0.9 μM kinetin, 0.9 μM BA and 0.5 μM NAA. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

In vitro propagation of loblolly pine via direct somatic organogenesis from mature cotyledons and hypocotyls

A high-efficiency two-step culture procedure for direct somaticorganogenesis in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) resulting inthe formation of multiple shoot structures induced on cotyledons andhypocotyls of mature zygotic embryos is described. Mature zygoticembryos of eight genotypes of loblolly pine were used as explants toinduce direct somatic organogenesis with this two-step culture method,involving the induction and the differentiation of direct adventitiousshoots. After mature zygotic embryos of eight genotypes of loblolly pinewere cultured on induction medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid (2,4-D) or -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 6-benzyladenine(BA), and kinetin for 2–3 weeks, embryos were transferred todifferentiation medium. Adventitious shoot regeneration via directsomatic organogenesis with the frequency of 8.7–27.8% wasobtained from mature zygotic embryo cultures of the genotypes tested.The highest mean number of 32.6 adventitious shoots per mature zygoticembryo was produced from genotype La. The tissue culture protocol of invitro shoot regeneration via direct somatic embryogenesis was optimizedafter examining the periods of the induction culture, chillingtreatment, glutamine concentration, and basic medium levels. Rooting wasachieved on TE medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid(IBA), 0.5 mg/l gibberellic acid (GA₃), and 1 mg/l6-benzyladenine (BA), and regenerated plantlets were established insoil. These results suggested that adventitious shoot regeneration viadirect somatic organogenesis could be useful for clonal micropropagationof some genotypes of loblolly pine and for establishing a transformationsystem of this coniferous species.     

Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from in vitro tissue culture in two Tunisian Cucumis melo cultivars Maazoun and Beji

Hypocotyl, cotyledon and zygotic embryo explants from two Tunisian Cucumis melo L. cultivars Beji and Maazoun, cultured on the MS medium added with 2,4-D (0.25–1 mg l⁻¹) and BA (0.10–0.50 mg l⁻¹), produce calluses with somatic embryos after 3 weeks of culture. For Beji c.v. the highest percentage (62.50%) of embryogenesis was observed for cotyledons. The average embryo number per callus was 10.40. Embryogenesis induction for zygotic embryos reached 33.50% with 29 embryos per callus. The embryogenesis ability of hypocotyls did not exceed 12.50% (2.50 embryos per callus). Somatic embryogenesis for Maazoun c.v. explants was less efficient. Embryos formation was observed only for cotyledons (29%) and zygotic embryos (25%). Cotyledonary staged embryos, when transferred to hormone free MS medium, germinated. The maximum germination rates were 51.50 and 44.50%, respectively for Maazoun and Beji c.v. The highest percentage (36.50%) of survival plants was noted for Beji c.v. Regenerants were diploids (2n = 2x = 24) and morphologically similar to their parents issued from seeds.     

Control of direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis by exogenous growth regulators in immature zygotic embryo cultures of rose

Immature zygotic embryos of rose (Rosa hybrida L.; cv. Sumpath) did not form somatic embryos or embryogenic calluses when cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with various con-centrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as the sole growth regulator. However, the zygotic embryos produced somatic embryos without an intervening callus phase at a frequency of 27.3% on medium with 4.44 M 6-benzyladenine (BA) alone. Immature zygotic embryos formed embryogenic calluses at a frequency of 25% on medium with a combination of 1.36 M 2,4-D and 4.44 M BA. Upon transfer to medium without growth regulators, embryogenic calluses produced numerous somatic embryos that subsequently developed into plantlets. Somatic embryos were induced directly from immature zygotic embryos, or indirectly via an intervening callus phase, by manipulating the exogenous growth regulators. Plantlets were successfully transplanted to potting soil and grown to maturity in a greenhouse.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in zygotic embryo explant cultures of rugosa rose

Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is cultivated as a garden flower and an important genetic resource for the breeding of roses (R. hybrida). This study describes culture conditions for high frequency plant regeneration from zygotic embryo explants via somatic embryogenesis in rugosa rose. Mature zygotic embryo, cotyledon, and radicle explants formed embryogenic calluses at frequencies of 38, 6.7, and 8.8% when cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium (½MS) supplemented with 2.26, 9.05, and 9.05 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, respectively. Embryogenic calluses produced numerous somatic embryos, which then developed into plantlets on ½MS without growth regulators. Regenerated plantlets were grown to whole plants in a growth chamber.     

Somatic embryogenesis from pea embryos and shoot apices

Conditions were defined for plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in pea, using explants from immature zygotic embryos or from shoot apices. For the induction of somatic embryos, an auxin (picloram or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) was required. Embryogenic callus originated from embryonic axis tissue of immature embryos and from the axillary-bud region and the plumula of shoot apices. A clear effect of embryo size on somatic embryogenesis was shown. There were differences in frequency of somatic embryogenesis among the five genotypes used in the study. Additions of BA to auxin-containing medium reduced embryo production. Histological examinations confirmed the embryogenic nature of the immature embryo cultures and revealed that somatic embryos originated from the meristematic areas near the callus surface.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - picloram 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid     

Organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis from callus cultures in Muscari armeniacum Leichtl. ex Bak.

Summary Establishment of fast-growing, highly regenerable callus cultures was examined in Muscari armeniacum Leichtl. ex Bak. in order to develop an efficient genetic transformation system. High-frequency callus formation was obtained from leaf explants of cv. Blue Pearl on media containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram, PIC). Fast-growing, yellowish nodular callus lines and white friable callus lines containing a few somatic embryos were established on initiation medium supplemented with 4.5 μM 2,4-D and with 54 μM NAA, respectively. The yellowish nodular calluses vigorously produced shoot buds after transfer to media containing 0.44–44 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), whereas the white friable calluses produced numerous somatic embryos upon transfer to plant growth regulator-free (PGR-F) medium. Histological observation of shoot buds and somatic embryos indicated that the former consisted of an apparent shoot meristem and several leaf primordia, and the latter had two distinct meristematic regions, corresponding to shoot and root meristems. Both shoot buds and somatic embryos developed into complete plantlets on PGR-F medium. Regenerated plants showed no observable morphological alterations. High proliferation and regeneration ability of these calluses, were maintained for over 2 yr.     

SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND PLANT REGENERATION IN HYOSCYAMUS NIGER

Culture of segments of leaves, petioles, and stems and of germinated seeds and whole ovaries enclosing unpollinated ovules of Hyoscyamus niger in a medium containg 2, 4-dichlorophen-oxyacetic acid caused massive growth of calluses. In cultured germinated seeds and ovaries, calluses were formed from the hypocotyl and placenta, respectively. Leaf and stem explants generally gave rise to hard, white, and compact calluses. Upon transfer of these calluses to an auxin-free medium they regenerated roots or buds but showed no further signs of morphogenesis. Calluses formed on petioles, germinated seeds, and ovaries were a mixture of the white, compact and brown, friable types. Subsequent morphogenesis of the friable calluses in a medium lacking auxin was characterized by the formation of somatic embryos whose pattern of development was similar to that of zygotic embryos.     

The microspore-derived embryo ofBrassica napus L. as a tool for studying embryo-specific lipid biogenesis and regulation of oil quality

Summary A time-course study of lipid accumulation in microspore-derived embryos and developing zygotic embryos of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. ssp.oleifera) is presented. Rapid storage fat (triacylglycerol) biosynthesis was induced in microspore-derived embryos of oilseed rape (cv Topas) when the embryos were transferred from standing cultures (10 ml) to fresh medium (75 ml) and shake cultured. Triacylglycerols accumulated, after a lag period of 7 days, at a linear rate of approximately twice that of the developing zygotic embryo. The fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols in microspore-derived embryos closely parallelled that of the developing zygotic embryos. In the microspore-derived embryos, the amount of phosphatidylcholine, the major substrate for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in oilseeds, remained constant during the linear phase of triacylglycerol production, whereas it increased steadily in the zygotic embryos. The fatty acid composition of individual cotyledons from microspore embryos shake cultured for 15 days was compared with that of individual mature seeds. Relative amounts of the major fatty acids, i.e. palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids, were essentially the same, whereas the microspore-derived embryos had about 35% less stearic acid and 35% more linolenic acid than the mature seeds. Variation in the amounts of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids between seeds was similar to that found between cotyledons of microspore-derived embryos, whereas variation in palmitic and stearic acid levels was significantly lower between microsporederived cotyledons than between the seeds. The results indicate that microspore-derived embryos from shake cultures should be convenient for use in studying the regulation of oil biosynthesis and for rapidly screening for oil quality in genetically altered rapeseed.     

Comparative biochemical profiling during the stages of acquisition and development of somatic embryogenesis in African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

In this study, the different stages of somatic embryogenesis (SE) of the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) were characterized biochemically. The total soluble sugars, starch, total free amino acids, and total proteins were extracted, identified and quantified at various stages of embryogenesis: zygotic embryos (initial explants), primary calluses, embryogenic calluses, calluses with pro-embryos, globular embryos, differentiated somatic embryos, and regenerated plants. It was found that at the onset of induction of SE, the level of soluble sugars in the tissues of the explants fell by half. During this period, the total soluble sugars present in the cultures consisted basically of glucose and fructose. In the process of regeneration and maturation, the concentrations of soluble sugars gradually increased, reaching the highest values in the last two stages of development. At this stage, the disaccharide sucrose accounts for more than 80 % of the composition of total soluble sugars in the explants. Compared to starch, we found that the concentrations thereof in developing tissues are inversely proportional to that of soluble sugars virtually throughout embryogenic development. As for free amino acids, we found that after 30 days of induction until formation of the embryogenic calluses, there is an accentuated synthesis of total free amino acids in the explant tissue. In this stage, there was a significant increase in the levels of alanine and serine in the tissues. However, after the formation of the embryogenic calluses, the levels of total free amino acids present in the cultures become stabile and remain constant until the end of cultivation. Similar results were found for total protein, which also showed a significant increase at the onset of induction, undergoing slight changes during the remainder of the cultivation.     

Lipid composition of somatic and zygotic embryos from Prunus avium. Effect of a cold treatment on somatic embryo quality

In order to evaluate the quality of Prunus avium somatic embryos, a comparison of lipid composition between somatic and zygotic embryos was undertaken. In both zygotic and somatic embryos, neutral glycerolipids (NL) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were the 2 major lipid classes. The content of NL increased over the course of development in zygotic embryos and reached 490 μg per embryo, while the PC content reached 100 μg per embryo. However, the contents of NL and PC in somatic embryos were similar to immature zygotic embryos at stage 3. Fatty acid composition of NL from both zygotic and somatic embryos revealed more unsaturated than saturated fatty acids. In somatic embryos, the saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratios of NL and phosphatidylinositol (PI) were similar to those observed in immature zygotic embryos up to stage 6. Conversely, in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) the ratio was similar to the ratio observed in mature zygotic embryos, at stage 7. Histological studies confirmed the immaturity of somatic embryos: no protein or lipid reserves were observed in the vacuolated cotyledonary cells. Maturation of somatic embryos was improved by a 2-month cold period. In cold-treated somatic embryos, both NL and PC increased to levels comparable to those observed in mature zygotic embryos, and the PE content reached 10 times the level of that in mature zygotic embryos. The cold treatment induced a large increase in the saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratio in phospholipids but only a slight increase in that of neutral glycerolipids. Histological studies revealed a lipid accumulation at cellular level. Lipid bodies surrounded by protein bodies were observed in cotyledonary cells of cold-treated somatic embryos. Furthermore, the cold-treated somatic embryos developed into plantlets with a frequency of 14%, whereas no development was obtained with the non-treated somatic embryos.     

In vitro somatic embryogenesis in two major rattan species: Calamus merrillii and Calamus subinermis

Summary Occurrence of somatic embryogenesis in in vitro cultures of Calamus merrillii and Calamus subinermis, two major largecaned rattan species, was scientifically demonstrated for the first time. Tissue responsiveness varied markedly according to the species and the type of primary explants used when initiated on 10.4–31.2 μM picloram-enriched Murashige and Skoog callus induction media. In C. merrillii, within 6 wk after inoculation, 84% of the leaf and 90% of the zygotic embryo explants produced friable embryogenic calluses, by contrast with those formed by 74% of the root explants. In C. subinermis, callogenesis was observed only 6 mo. after inoculation in 68% of root and 48% of zygotic explants. Leaf explants did not respond at all. Only root-derived calluses developed into nodular embryogenic structures. Irrespective of these initial differences, the further steps of the somatic embryogenesis developmental pattern was similar for both species. Histological analyses established that callus formation took place in the perivascular zones, and could give rise to embryogenic isolated cells from which the proembryos were derived. Reducing the picloram concentration stimulated the maturation process resulting ultimately in the germination of somatic embryos that exhibited bipolar development, despite an apparent lack of starch and protein reserves. The somatic embryo-derived plantlets of C. merrillii, overall more prone to somatic embryogenesis than C. subinermis in the given conditions, were successfully acclimatized to outdoor conditions.     

Somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of annatto (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bixa orellana</Emphasis> L.)

Summary In order to establish a protocol for somatic embryogenesis of annatto, Bixa orellana L., seeds (70 d after anthesis) from field-grown orchards had their coats dissected off, and immature zygotic embryos were excised aseptically from immature seeds collected from field-grown trees and used as explants. Embryos were cultured onto MS medium supplemented with or without different combinations of plant growth regulators and activated charcoal. Direct somatic embryogenesis was induced on explants incubated either in Murashige and Skoog (MS), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and/or kinetin-supplemented media after 25 d of culture. The highest frequencies of embryogenesis and embryos per explant were obtained on medium containing 2.26 μM 2.4-D, 4.52μM kinetin, and 1.0 gl⁻¹ activated charcoal. The presence of charcoal was critical in increasing embryos per explant, to reduce the time to obtain somatic embryos, and mainly to prevent callus proliferation and subsequent indirect somatic embryogenesis. No embryogenic response was achieved when mature embryos were used. It was also observed that embryogenic response was significantly affected by genotype. Histological investigations revealed that primary direct somatic embryos differentiated exclusively from the protodermis or together with the outer ground meristem cell layers of the zygotic embryo axis, and from the protodermis of zygotic cotyledons. Diverse morphological differences, including malformed embryos, were observed among somatic embryos. In spite of the high frequencies of histodifferentiation of all embryo stages, a very low conversion frequency to normal plants from somatic embryos was observed.     

Somatic embryogenesis in Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn

Induction of somatic embryos and plant regeneration was demonstrated for the first time in Alnus glutinosa. Somatic embryos were initiated from zygotic embryos collected 1–3 weeks post-anthesis (WPA), i.e., when they were at globular or early cotyledonary stage and were 0.5–1 mm in length. Induction frequency (16.6 %) and the mean number of somatic embryos (4.5 embryos/explant) were highest after culture of zygotic embryos, collected at 3 WPA, on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 0.9-μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.22-μM benzyladenine (BA). No embryogenic induction was observed on medium with BA alone. Initial somatic embryos differentiated indirectly from callus tissue formed at the surface of the zygotic embryos. Embryogenic competence was maintained by secondary embryogenesis, which was affected by explant type, plant growth regulators and genotype. Secondary embryogenesis was induced by culture of small groups of whole somatic embryos or isolated cotyledon explants on medium consisting of MS medium (half-strength macronutrients) supplemented with 0.44-μM BA. Histological study of isolated cotyledon explants revealed that secondary embryos developed directly from differentiated embryogenic tissue on the surface of cotyledons. Somatic embryos at successive stages of development, including cotyledonary-stage embryos with shoot and root meristems, were evident. For plantlet conversion, somatic embryos were transferred to maturation medium supplemented with 3 % maltose, followed by 6 weeks of culture in Woody Plant Medium supplemented with 0.44-μM BA and 0.46-μM Zeatin (Z). This novel protocol appears promising for mass propagation, conservation and genetic transformation of black alder.     

High frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in root explant cultures of carnation

Root explants excised from carnation plants maintained in vitro formed off-white, friable calluses after three weeks of culture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg l⁻¹ thidiazuron (TDZ) and 1 mg l⁻¹ α-naphthalaneacetic acid (NAA). These calluses were subsequently transferred to MS basal medium where, after an additional four weeks of culture, approximately 50% of the calluses formed somatic embryos. However, calluses formed on root explants that had been cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid did not produce somatic embryos upon transfer to MS basal medium. Somatic embryos developed into plantlets and subsequently were grown to maturity. These results indicate that root explants have a high competence for somatic embryogenesis in carnation. J. Seo and S.W. Kim contributed equally to this work.     

Somatic embryogenesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jarilla heterophylla</Emphasis> (Caricaceae)

It is reported for the first time an efficient protocol for indirect somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration for Jarilla heterophylla (Caricaceae). Initial explants were mature zygotic embryos obtained from seeds collected in two regions of the state of Jalisco, México (San Luis Soyatlán and Zacoalco de Torres). Two protocols for somatic embryogenesis used previously for Carica papaya were evaluated. The addition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to induction medium A1 without the addition of adenine hemisulphate yielded the best production of embryogenic callus with the higher total of somatic embryos per explant. With this protocol the plant regeneration process took about five months.     

Embryogeny of gymnosperms: advances in synthetic seed technology of conifers

Synthetic seed technology requires the inexpensive production of large numbers of high-quality somatic embryos. Proliferating embryogenic cultures from conifers consist of immature embryos, which undergo synchronous maturation in the presence of abscisic acid and elevated osmoticum. Improvements in conifer somatic embryo quality have been achieved by identifying the conditions in vitro that resemble the conditions during in ovulo development of zygotic embryos. One normal aspect of zygotic embryo development for conifers is maturation drying, which allows seeds to be stored and promotes normal germination. Conditions of culture are described that yield mature conifer somatic embryos that possess normal storage proteins and fatty acids and which survive either partial drying, or full drying to moisture contents similar to those achieved by mature dehydrated zygotic embryos. Large numbers of quiescent somatic embryos can be produced throughout the year and stored for germination in the spring, which simplifies production and provides plants of uniform size. This review focuses on recent advances in conifer somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seed technology, particularly in areas of embryo development, maturation drying, encapsulation and germination. Comparisons of conifer embryogeny are made with other gymnosperms and angiosperms.Abbreviations ABA abscisic acid - LEA late embryogenesis abundant - PEG polyethylene glycol - PGR plant growth regulator - RH relative humidity - TAG triacylglycerol