Maturation Capacity of Somatic Embryos of Picea Abies After Prolonged Proliferation Culture

Matured somatic embryos of different embryogenic cell lines of Picea abies formed as a response to abscisic acid and polyethylene glycol were categorised into three main groups: well-developed, less-developed and undeveloped type. Only the well-developed embryos were able to convert into normal plants. They were positively influenced by prolonged proliferation up to 4 months in contrast to the less-developed ones. Seed extract positively affected both well-developed and less-developed embryos, but only in the beginning of tested period. Intermediate cell lines after a peak of acquisition of maximum maturation competence decrease the maturation frequency with prolonged culture.