Abstract
The cycads are an ancient group of gymnosperm species that first appeared during the Permian era, and that peaked during the Jurassic period. They have been referred to as living fossils. There are approximately 185 cycad species in three families: the Cycadaceae, Stangeriaceae and Zamiaceae. All cycad species are considered to be rare and/or endangered according to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES; http://www.cites.org). The cycads are dioecious, and the rarest species are known only as single specimen trees that are incapable of sexual reproduction, e.g., Encephalartos woodii. Somatic embryogenesis of the related conifers has revolutionized the propagation and improvement of these species, despite the fact that non elite (juvenile) materials are utilized. In this paper, we describe the induction of embryogenic cultures and regeneration of plants from somatic embryos from mature phase individuals. The success of this procedure is critical for the conservation of genetic resources of all cycad species and can revolutionize the propagation and ultimately the genetic manipulation of the rarest and most coveted of these species.
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