Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a unique process by means of which a vegetative/somatic plant cell transforms into an embryo. This in vitro embryogeny has immense fundamental and practical applications. The SE process is complex and is controlled by a variety of external and internal triggers. This book compiles the latest advances in embryogenesis research on ornamentals and discusses the importance of embryogenic cultures/tissues in raising transgenic crops. The technique of cryopreservation in the protection of ornamental genetic resources is discussed using embryogenic culture/embryo as the tissue of choice, and the respective roles of the genotype, plant growth regulator, environment and other regulating factors in embryogenesis are discussed. The book also focuses on comparative biochemical and physiological differences during the acquisition and development of embryos. The importance of plant proteome and functional genomics as a source of markers is highlighted, and special attention is paid to genes / gene homologues (SERC) in characterizing embryogenesis. Lastly, the book examines the involvement of auxin polar transport and other molecular networks regulating gene expression.

Presents accumulated knowledge/ information of research on ornamental plants and the role of somatic embryogenesis in the development of ornamental plants

1. Application of cryogenic technologies and somatic embryogenesis in the storage and protection of valuable genetic resources of ornamental plants.- 2. Somatic embryogenesis in Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii Parl.).- 3. Somatic embryogenesis in Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera Sieb. et Zucc.).- 4. Optimizing factors affecting somatic embryogenesis in Cineraria.- 5. Advances in proteomics of somatic embryogenesis.- 6. Somatic embryogenesis in Camellia japonica L.: Challenges and future prospects.- 7. Somatic Embryogenesis and Genetic Transformation of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.).- 8. Cryopreservation of Somatic Embryos of Ornamental Plants.- 9. Role of SERK during Somatic Embryogenesis and its Interaction with Brassinosteroids.- 10. Somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation and in vitro mutagenesis in Cyclamen.- 11. Somatic embryogenesis and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in Rosa species.- 12. Embryogenesis in ornamental monocots: Plant growth regulators as signaling element.- 13. Somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation in Cupressaceae trees.- 14. Somatic embryogenesis: the molecular network regulating embryo formation.- 15. Advances in somatic embryogenesis of palm trees (Arecaceae): fundamentals and review of protocols.- 16. Effects of plant growth regulator, auxin polar transport inhibitors on somatic embryogenesis and CmSERK gene expression in Cattleya maxima (Lindl.).