Current status and future perspectives of somatic embryogenesis in Lilium

Abstract

Lilies (Lilium spp.) are famous bulb flowers worldwide with high ornamental value. Somatic embryogenesis in plants, which exhibits the advantages of universal occurrence, genetic stability, and suitability as an exogenous gene transfer receptor system, is vital to bulb propagation, germplasm preservation, genetic trait improvement and polyploid breeding in Lilium. This review systematically summarizes the current research progress on Lilium somatic embryogenesis and provides information on the influencing factors, procedures, and physiological and molecular mechanisms of somatic embryogenesis; the applications and prospects of somatic embryogenesis in the lily industry; and the difficulties associated with Lilium somatic embryogenesis. This review aims to provide comprehensive and valuable information for future research on somatic embryogenesis in Lilium. This review provides the first report on the research progress in Lilium somatic embryogenesis. The review analyzes main factors affecting this developmental pathway, its physiological and molecular mechanisms, and its application in the lily industry and discusses the research difficulties and application prospects of somatic embryogenesis in Lilium.