Embryogenic cell lines of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juniperus communis</Emphasis>; easy establishment and embryo maturation,limited germination

Several coniferous species belonging to the Pinaceae family can be propagated via somatic embryogenesis, while species belonging to the Cupressaceae family cannot. The aim of this study was to identify possibilities and limitations with somatic embryogenesis in Cupressaceae. Juniperus communis was chosen as model species. We show that a high initiation frequency of embryogenic cell lines can be established from intact megagametophytes at the time when intensive cleavage polyembryogeny takes place. The embryogenic cell lines proliferate fast on medium lacking plant growth regulators. Early somatic embryos develop after transfer to medium with decreased content of nitrogen and calcium. The early embryos mature after exposure to abscisic acid. Mature cotyledonary embryos germinate after partial desiccation. A high proportion, over 40%, of the germinating embryos retain the embryogenic potential in the basal part, resulting in development of new embryogenic tissue.