Somatic embryogenesis, somatic embryos, embryogenic tissue, maturation, abscisic acid

Conifer species are subjected to major time constraints in tree improvement because of their long regeneration cycle and large sizes. However, integration of developing biotechnologies could significantly reduce this time limitation in tree breeding programs. In this regard, somatic embryogenesis (SE) offers a great potential in commercially important Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia TEN.) for rapid production of larger number of clones as well as capture of greater genetic gains. In this study, seven collections were done to sample precotyledonar zygotic embryos for induction of embryogenic tissue (ET) from 15 clones located in Antalya. Afterwards, abscisic acid, carbohydrates, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and gellan gum were tested to obtain mature somatic embryos in maturation experiments. Analyses of variance showed a significant variation among collection dates (43.1% of total variance) and clones studied (18.8% of total variance) for induction of ETs. Overall initiation frequency of ET in this study was 11.6% with clonal range of 4.7 ا 24.1%. Of those tested maturation treatments, 80æM ABA, sucrose and maltose at 3 and 6%, 3.75% PEG combined with 1% gellan gum were found to be suitable for maturation of somatic embryos in Turkish red pine. Sixty nine somatic embryos were obtained from Clone 22, which was one of tested clones. Induction frequencies could be further improved by using different basal media and/or manipulating media components, such as plant growth regulators. For proper maturation of somatic embryos, embryogenic lines need to be screened to find suitable lines, which are developmentally responsive to ABA treatment.Ph.D. - Doctoral Progra