Abstract:

The induction of embryogenic cultures from controlled pollinated seeds was tested for Norway Spruce and hybrid Larch in different years. The amount of established stable lines in both species was determined. A reduction in the regeneration potential of the lines was observed after a few years. In Norway Spruce, contrary to hybrid Larch, only some established lines were able to grow in suspension culture. Established embryogenic lines of both species not in all cases were able to regenerate somatic embryos. The use of polyethyleneglycoll and the mode of abscisic acid sterilisation were found to be factors responsible for the number of mature somatic embryos formed. The transfer of somatic embryos into germinating plants and later on to the soil was possible for hybrid Larch lines. Insufficient root formation in Norway Spruce somatic embryos influenced the transfer to the soil negatively. The low number of stable embryogenic lines (<5%) formed in both species confirmed that this step is the most limiting one within this plant regeneration method at present.

Key words: Picea abies, Larix leptolepis, Somatic embryogenesis, Induction, Regeneration