SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN CULTURED MATURE ZYGOTIC EMBRYOS OF ABIES-BALSAMEA

Embryo suspensor masses (ESMs) were induced by culture of isolated mature zygotic embryos of balsam fir [Abies balsamea (Mill.)] on media containing 10 mu M cytokinin [6-(gamma-gamma-dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP), 6-benzyladenine (BA), or thidiazuron (TDZ)]. Once induced, ESMs proliferated on media containing 2iP, BA or TDZ (10 mu M) or on 4. 5 mu M BA in combination with 10 mu M naphthyl-1-acetic acid. When ESMs were transferred to media containing 5-80 mu M abscisic acid, cotyledonary-stage embryos were formed. Embryos were readily germinated on medium lacking growth regulators.