Induction of embryogenesis in cultured mature zygotic embryos of Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir

Abstract

Embryo suspensor masses were induced by culture of isolated mature zygotic embryos of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir.). Maximum induction frequencies were observed after 10 weeks culture on one-half strength Murashige and Skoog medium containing 10 µM thidiazuron and on one-half strength Verhagen and Wann medium containing 10 µM cytokinin [6-(dimethylallylamino)purine, 6-benzyladenine, or thidiazuron). Proliferation of embryo suspensor masses occurred on one-half strength Verhagen and Wann medium supplemented with 10 µM cytokinin. When embryo suspensor masses were transferred to media containing 5-80 µM abscisic acid, cotyledonary-stage embryos were formed. Somatic embryos germinated on medium lacking plant growth regulators, but abnormal cotyledonary-stage somatic embryos with stunted cotyledons and reduced embryo axes were also observed.