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Clonal Propagation of Softwoods

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Plant Cell Culture Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 318))

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Abstract

Softwoods or gymnosperms, which make up 60% of the forested areas of the world, are economically important as a source of lumber, pulp, and paper. Reforestation is a major activity worldwide and the potential benefits of using clonal planting stock have long been recognized. Tissue culture clonal methods or micropropagation is a newer approach that can be achieved by enhancing axillary bud breaking, production of adventitious buds (organogenesis), and somatic embryogenesis. Plantlet production via organogenesis requires at least four stages: (1) bud induction on the explant, (2) shoot development and multiplication, (3) rooting of developed shoots, and (4) hardening of plantlets. Similarly, the production of plantlets via somatic embryogenesis, which has the potential to produce a larger number of plantlets, and in a shorter period of time, also requires several stages. These include (1) induction, maintenance, and proliferation of embryogenic tissue; (2) maturation (both morphological and physiological) of somatic embryos; and (3) germination and conversion of the somatic embryos. In this chapter, plantlet production via organogenesis from seedling and adolescent/mature explants and somatic embryogenesis from immature and mature seeds of white spruce (Picea glauca) are outlined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Trevor A. Thorpe & Edward C. Yeung

  2. SemBioSys, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Indra S. Harry

Authors
  1. Trevor A. Thorpe
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  2. Indra S. Harry
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  3. Edward C. Yeung
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatán, Yucatán, México

    Victor M. Loyola-Vargas  & Felipe Vázquez-Flota  & 

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© 2006 Humana Press Inc.

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Thorpe, T.A., Harry, I.S., Yeung, E.C. (2006). Clonal Propagation of Softwoods. In: Loyola-Vargas, V.M., Vázquez-Flota, F. (eds) Plant Cell Culture Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 318. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-959-1:187

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-959-1:187

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-547-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-959-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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