title: Advances in Conifer Somatic Embryogenesis Since Year 2000.
abstract: This review compiles research results published over the last 14 years on conifer somatic embryogenesis (SE). Emphasis is placed on the newest findings that affect the response of seed embryos (typical explants) and shoot primordia (rare explants) to the induction of SE and long-term culture of early somatic embryos. Much research in recent years has focused on maturation of somatic embryos, with respect to both yield and quality, as an important stage for the production of a large number of vigorous somatic seedlings. Attempts to scale up somatic embryo production numbers and handling have resulted in a few bioreactor designs, the utility of which may prove beneficial for an industrial application. A few simplified cryopreservation methods for embryonal masses (EM) were developed as a means to ensure cost-efficient long-term storage of genotypes during clonal field testing. Finally, recent long-term studies on the growth of somatic trees in the field, including seed production yield and comparison of seed parameters produced by somatic versus seed-derived trees, are described.
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, 1055 du P.E.P.S., 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy, QC, Canada, G1V 4C7. krystyna.klimaszewska@nrcan.gc.ca.
authors.forename: Krystyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Klimaszewska
authors.affiliation: Scion, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hargreaves
authors.affiliation: INRA, UR 0588 Unité Amélioration, Génétique et Physiologie Forestières, 2163 Avenue de la Pomme de Pin, CS 4001, Ardon, Orléans Cedex 2, 45075, France.
authors.forename: Marie-Anne
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lelu-Walter
authors.affiliation: FCBA, Pôle Biotechnologie et Sylviculture Avancée, Équipe Génétique et Biotechnologie, Campus Forêt-Bois de Pierroton, 71 Route d'Arcachon, Cestas, 33610, France.
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Trontin
mesh_terms: D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D005838:Genotype; D063245:Plant Development / Q000235:genetics*; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators / Q000235:genetics; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D058439:Plant Somatic Embryogenesis Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics*; D036226:Seedlings / Q000254:growth & development; D012639:Seeds / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D010937:Plant Growth Regulators
keywords: Cryopreservation; Field tests; Somatic embryo s; Somatic trees; Tree improvement