Acta Univ Latv (2004) 676: 257–260

Propagation of some Abies species by somatic embryogenesis

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis was used for propagation of Abies cilicica, Abies numidica and Abies concolor. The same experimental conditions were suitable for plantlets regeneration of all tested species. Initiation of embryogenic tissue was obtained from immature embryos on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) initiation medium with 1 mg l-1 benzylaminopurine and 20 g l-1 sucrose. The best maturation of somatic embryos was achieved on modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 40 g l-1 maltose, 100 g l-1 polyethylene glycol-4000, 10 mg l-1 abscisic acid and 500 mg l-1 L-glutamine and casein hydrolysate. After three weeks of partial drying, mature embryo germination occurred on medium containing ½-SH medium salts, 10 g l-1 sucrose, 10 g l-1 charcoal and 3 g l-1 Phytagel. Plantlets with cotyledons, hypocotyl and radicula were obtained and transferred to small pots containing autoclaved peat / vermiculite / perlite mixture. Plantlet regeneration of other Abies species can be achieved under the same experimental conditions, but with optimizing for individual species to affect the yield of regenerants.