Clonal propagation of conifers by somatic embryogenesis (SE) – an introduction to methodology and examples of applications for research and plant production

Abstract

This article is aimed as a basic introduction to conifer somatic embryogenesis for someone with a general interest in applications of this technique and/or who is interested in starting some practical work in the field. We also present data from an examplestudy on individual trees’ ability to initiate somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce (Picea abies).A total of 158 trees were each tested for ability and relative competence to initiate somatic embryogenesis from the zygotic embryos by observing the initiation frequency for ten zygotic embryos from each individual tree. Furthermore, we conducted a case study by following the process for SE plant formation for a selection of 48 cell lines that were monitored through the SE developmental pathway, with data collected on the success rates at different steps. We then evaluated the relative importance of different steps for the outcome of plant formation and yield.

Keywords

Somatic embryogenesis; Conifer; Methodology; Applications; Initiation

Published in

Reforesta
2025, volume: 20, pages: 17-40

SLU Authors

• Lind Björs, Josefin

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Tudoran, Amelia

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Gräns, Daniel

  • School for Forest Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Puentes, Adriana

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Wallin, Elisabeth

  • School for Forest Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Egertsdotter, Ulrika

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.21750/REFOR.20.02.128

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/145767