Regulation of somatic embryo development in Norway spruce (Picea abies)

Somatic embryos can be used for vegetative propagation of genetically superior material. Additionally, the system offers unique opportunities to study embryology. Somatic embryogenesis has been induced in many coniferous species and the process is similar between species. A common problem is, however, that not all embryogenic cell lines contain embryos that can mature. We are using Norway spruce (Picea abies) as a model system to study how the development of the conifer somatic embryo is regulated. Different cell lines contain embryos that have reached a specific developmental stage, which is reflected in the pattern of extracellular proteins and arabinogalactan proteins present. The embryo morphology is partially regulated by proteins. Proteins identified as having a putative regulatory effect on embryo development include chitinases, peroxidases, zeamatin-like proteins and arabinogalactan proteins.