Bioreactor Production of Alfalfa Somatic Embryos

Abstract

There has been a great deal of interest recently in the development of artificial seed as a cloning method for plants (1, 6, 9). The idea is intriguing, since it proposes clonal propagation of plants by somatic embryogenesis without recombination of the genome that normally occurs in zygotic embryo formation. Once a suitably developed embryo is achieved, a delivery system composed of gels, nutrients, and a membrane can be used to encapsulate and protect the embryo prior to planting in the greenhouse or field. Efficient and economical manufacture of somatic embryos and surrounding matrix must be achieved in order to make this system work like true seed. To be of commercial importance, this delivery system should satisfy a number of criteria, including high production volume, high genetic fidelity, and good germination of the embryo from the gel.