Externí autoři: Lelu-Walter MA

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb) Franco) is a native conifer from the Pacific North-West of the US and Canada, and is one of the most important timber species used in the world. Douglas-fir is highly productive in a range of climatic conditions and has valuable wood properties (quality) as well as a strong tolerance to diseases and insects. In Europe, Douglas-fir is a major species for reforestation with increasing demand for its wood. Adaptation of new varieties to climate change and associated stresses is one challenging question for ongoing breeding programs.

Maritime pine somatic embryos (SEs) require a reduction in water availability (high gellan gum concentration in the maturation medium) to reach the cotyledonary stage. This key switch, reported specifically for pine species, is not yet well understood. To facilitate the use of somatic embryogenesis for mass propagation of conifers, we need a better understanding of embryo development.