Tags: Larix eurolepis | Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds

Multi-scale characterizations of various desiccation treatments to produce somatic embryos closer to zygotic embryos of hybrid larch.

Poster from the COST Action CopyTree conference in Coimbra

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Somatic embryogenesis is a useful method for propagating selected plant material. However, before using this technique for forest tree deployment, it is important to ensure high-quality somatic embryos (SEs). This quality depends on how closely SEs resemble zygotic embryos (ZEs). At the end of their maturation, SEs usually resemble ZEs from fresh seeds due to their high water content and biochemical composition.

Combined desiccation treatments of hybrid larch (Larix x eurolepis) somatic embryos resulted in reduced water content keeping their germination and conversion rates: multi-scale characterizations

Somatic embryo of hybrid larch (line N23) exposed to different desiccation treatments. Stained for phenolics, starch and storage proteins.

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Somatic embryo of hybrid larch (line Q10) exposed to different desiccation treatments. Stained for phenolics, starch and storage proteins.

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It is assumed that the production of somatic embryos (SEs), which closely resemble fully mature zygotic embryos (ZEs), increases the chance of producing somatic plants equivalent to seedlings. Desiccation is crucial to reduce the water content of SEs and to initiate biochemical changes that support germination and conversion into plants. We investigated the biological, histological, biochemical and molecular changes in the SEs of hybrid larch Larix eurolepis exposed to desiccation at high relative humidity (RH; 98 %), reduced RH (59 %), or a combination of both.