Progress in Somatic Embryogenesis of Japanese Pines.

Tsuyoshi E Maruyama,Yoshihisa Hosoi

doi:10.3389/fpls.2019.00031

Tsuyoshi E Maruyama, Yoshihisa Hosoi

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00031

Copy DOI

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) in not only one of the most promising techniques for mass propagation of selected trees, but also is a valuable tool for basic research studies in cell biology and genetic engineering, and it allows the long-term ex situ conservation of genetic resources by cryopreservation techniques. This review reports the most recent progress in SE, protoplast culture, and cryopreservation of four important Japanese pines (Pinus thunbergii, Pinus densiflora, Pinus armandii var. amamiana, and Pinus luchuensis). Induction of embryogenic tissues (ET), embryogenic culture maintenance/proliferation, production of somatic embryos, germination, and conversion to plants are described focusing on the protocols most commonly reported for plant production in Pinus species through to SE.

Highlights

Since somatic embryogenesis (SE) was developed for spruce species in the late 1980s, this technology has expanded to many conifer and hardwood species
Propagation by SE has been developed for various conifers, the low induction frequency of embryogenic tissues (ET) and the low plant conversion rate are the limiting factors for widespread practical uses in many species (Maruyama and Hosoi, 2016)
The efficient maturation of a large number of genotypes and the production of somatic plants with a high field performance are the most important criteria for using SE protocols in commercial production and improvement programs and as a valuable tool for studies of molecular, genetic, and physiological processes involved in cell cycle, organ formation, and gene expression

Summary

Introduction

Since somatic embryogenesis (SE) was developed for spruce species in the late 1980s, this technology has expanded to many conifer and hardwood species. Subsequent studies reported on SE in JPs described the high maturation rates of somatic embryos, the germination and plant conversion frequencies remained low (Maruyama et al, 2005a,b, 2007; Shoji et al, 2006).

Results

Conclusion