Protocol for Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants

Earlier, we edited a well received series on "Somatic embryogenesis in woody trees", volumes 1 to 6. These volumes provided readers detailed extensive reviews on somatic embryogenesis of important angiosperm and gymnosperm tree species; an excellent source of information for newcomers or those already engaged in research. However, these book volumes did not cover stepwise "detailed protocols" for inducing somatic embryogenesis. This book contains 46 chapters, divided into 4 sections : A) 12 chapters on conifers, B) 14 chapters on fruits, C) 14 chapters on angiosperms, and D) 6 chapters on histology, bioencapsulation, protoplasts, cryopreservation, double staining and thin cell layer sectioning. The book provides stepwise protocols for somatic embryogenesis of a range of selected woody plants in order to assist researchers to initiate somatic embryogenic cultures without too much alteration in protocols. Each chapter provides information on initiation and maintenance of embryogenic cultures; somatic embryo development, maturation, and germination; acclimatization and field transfer of somatic seedlings. Some chapters include applications of somatic embryogenic cultures, e.g. protoplasts, encapsulation, cryopreservation, genetic transformation, genetic fidelity with molecular markers, and bioreactor. Written for: Researchers and policy makers in agriculture, forestry, plant biotechnology; also suitable as a textbook for undergraduate and post graduate courses in botany, forestry and biotechnology Keywords: embryogenesis