Somatic embryogenesis is a process where somatic cells like haploid cells develop into embryos and regenerate plants. It was first achieved in 1958 with carrot suspension cultures. There are two types - direct embryogenesis from explants without callus and indirect embryogenesis which involves first forming a callus. The process involves stages of callus initiation, embryo development and maturation, and plantlet formation. Somatic embryogenesis has advantages like high propagation rates, use in suspension culture, artificial seed production, and labor savings.

1. Embryogenesis
M.PhooL Badshah

4. Somatic Embryogenesis
• It is a process by which somatic cells or tissues
including haploid cells develops into
differentiated embryos and to regenerate
plants.
• Stewart et al, (1958): first induced embryo through
suspension culture in carrot.
• Reinert (1959): Produce embryo from callus in
carrot through suspension culture.

5. Types of Embryos:

7. Importance of SEs:
• Higher propagation rate.
• Suitable in suspension culture.
• Artificial seed production.
• Labour savings.

8. Stages of Somatic Embryogenesis:
• Various stages are involved:
 Callus initiation
 Embryo Development and Maturation
 Plantlet formation.

10. Types of Somatic Embryogenesis:
• Two types of Somatic Embryogenesis:
 Direct Somatic Embryogenesis:
The embryos initiate directly from explants in the
absence of callus formation. Embryos are formed
due to PEDCs(pre-embryogenic determined cells)
cells.
 Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis:
Callus from explants takes place from which
embryos are developed. Embryos are formed due to
IEDCs(induced embryogenic determined cells)
cells.

13. Advantages:
• It is observable as its various culture conditions can
be controlled.
• Lack of material is not a limiting factor for
experimentation.
• High propagation rate.
• Somaclonal variation.
• Germplasm Conservation.
• Labour saving
• Elimination of Diseases and Viruses.

14. Disadvantages:
• Confined to few species.
• The somatic embryos show very poor germination
because of their physiological and biochemical
immaturity.
• Instability of cultured cells in long term cultures is
a major limitation in commercial exploitation and
mass propagation of somatic embryogenesis.