Abstract
Somatic embryogenesis is the most efficient method of clonal propagation that can be envisioned. Somatic embryos engineered to be of practical use in plant production are termed “synthetic seeds”. Mature somatic embryos possess pre-formed shoot and root meristems and can be induced to germinate with minimal manipulations. Over 2,000 somatic embryos have been recovered per gram of culture material. Therefore, many plants can be produced with little manipulation when compared to conventional micropropagation. Perhaps the most immediate application of synthetic seed technology exists for crops with high per plant values that are already propagated by tissue or organ culture, such as many ornamental species. Propagation of these crops is labor-intensive. Integration of simple synthetic seed systems would dramatically reduce labor requirements, thus lowering production costs. Furthermore, substitution of synthetic seed technology for tissue and organ culture technology in the commercial micropropagation industry would allow a wider variety of crop types to be economically produced.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
