Somatic embryogenesis in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.): improving culture initiation rates

Abstract

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is one of the most important commercial trees in the U.S. To be successful for commercial use, somatic embryogenesis technology must work with a variety of genetically diverse seeds. Initiation rates of loblolly pine were improved through a combination of modified 1/2 P6 salts, activated carbon at 50–100 mgL–1, Cu and Zn added to compensate for adsorption by activated carbon, 1.5% maltose, 2% myo-inositol, (to raise osmotic level partially simulating the ovule environment), 500 mg L–1 case amino acids, 450 mg L–1 glutamine, 2 mg L–1 NAA, 0.45 mg L–1 BAP, 0.43 mg L–1 kinetin, and 1.6–2 g L–1 Gelrite. Across 10 open-pollinated families, initiation rates ranged from 3–33%, averaging 16%.