Improvement of the start of Douglas fir embryo culture with maltose

摘要

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for producing Douglas-fir somatic embryos. In one aspect, the methods of the invention comprise the step of culturing Douglas-fir explants in, or on, an initiation medium comprising a principal carbohydrate source selected from the group consisting of maltose, glucose, and a combination thereof, to form embryonal suspensor masses comprising early-stage somatic embryos. In another aspect, the methods of the invention additionally comprise the step of culturing Douglas-fir embryonal suspensor masses in maintenance medium comprising a principal carbohydrate source selected from the group consisting of maltose, glucose, and a combination thereof, to form an established embryonal suspensor mass comprising early-stage somatic embryos.