Clonal propagation of conifers by somatic embryogenesis (SE) – an introduction to methodology and examples of applications for research and plant production

Josefine Björs; Amelia Tudoran; Daniel Gräns; Andreas Helmersson; Adriana Puentes; Elisabeth Wallin; Ulrik Brauner Nilsen; Ulrika Egertsdotter

doi:10.21750/refor.20.02.128

Citations

Clonal propagation of conifers by somatic embryogenesis (SE) – an introduction to methodology and examples of applications for research and plant production

Published: 30.12.2025.

Volume 10, Issue 2 (2025)

pp. 17-40;

https://doi.org/10.21750/refor.20.02.128

Abstract

This article is aimed as a basic introduction to conifer somatic embryogenesis for someone with a general interest in applications of this technique and/or who is interested in starting some practical work in the field. We also present data from an example study on individual trees’ ability to initiate somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce (Picea abies). A total of 158 trees were each tested for ability and relative competence to initiate somatic embryogenesis from the zygotic embryos by observing the initiation frequency for ten zygotic embryos from each individual tree. Furthermore, we conducted a case study by following the process for SE plant formation for a selection of 48 cell lines that were monitored through the SE developmental pathway, with data collected on the success rates at different steps. We then evaluated the relative importance of different steps for the outcome of plant formation and yield.

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Clonal propagation of conifers by somatic embryogenesis (SE) – an introduction to methodology and examples of applications for research and plant production

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