Somatic Embryogenesis in Chestnut. New Approaches

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis is an important biotechnological tool that demonstrates significant benefits when applied to forest tree species; clonal propagation, cryostorage of valuable germoplasm and genetic transformation are among the most promising of its applications. In this chapter, the state of the art of somatic embryogenesis in chestnut (an important economical tree species of the genus Castanea) is assessed and discussed. The factors affecting the induction (type of explant, growth conditions, mineral media, plant growth regulators), maintenance and multiplication of the embryogenic cultures (through repetitive embryogenesis) and the maturation and conversion into plants of somatic embryos are described. The latest results achieved on the application of the process on both genetic transformation and cryoconservation of chestnut embryogenic lines are also mentioned.