Smoke-saturated water promotes somatic embryogenesis in geranium

The effect of smoke saturated-water (SSW) on somatic embryogenesis was studied using geranium hypocotyl culture as a model system. Treatment of explants with 10% SSW or the inclusion of SSW with thidiazuron, a compound which induces somatic embryogenesis, enhanced the embryogenic potential of the geranium hypocotyl culture. Prolonged exposure to SSW was detrimental to embryogenesis. The SSW treatment also accelerated the rate of embryo development suggesting a growth regulatory role of SSW.