Embryogenesis in Oak species. A review

Abstract

Aim of study: A review on the propagation methods of four Quercus species, namely Q. suber, Q. robur, Q. ilex and Q. canariensis, through somatic embryogenesis and anther embryogenesis are presented.Area of study: The study comprises both Mediterranean and Atlantic oak species located in Spain.Material and Methods: Somatic embryogenesis was induced on immature zygotic embryos of diverse oak species, permitting the multiplication of half-sib families. Induction of haploid embryos and doubled haploids was assayed in both Q. suber and Q. ilex by temperature stress treatments of anthers containing late vacuolated microspores. The haploid origin of the anther embryos has been evaluated by quantitative nuclear DNA analysis through flow cytometry and by DNA microsatellite markers. Genetic transformation of cork oak has also been performed by means of Agrobacterium tumefaciens vectors. Proteomic analysis has been conducted to screen the diverse protein profiles followed by in vitro derived embryos during their development.Research highlights: Successful plant regeneration from both somatic and haploid embryos has been achieved. In the particular case of cork oak, doubled-haploid plants were obtained. Plantlets regenerated from selected parent trees through somatic embryogenesis were acclimated in the greenhouse and in the nursery, and were planted in an experimental plot in the field. Preliminary evaluation of the cork quality of the plants showed a good heritability correlation with the parent trees. This article revises the work of and is dedicated to Dr. M.A. Bueno, who devoted much of her professional life to the research on Biotechnology and Genetics of forest species, leading the Laboratory of Forest Biotechnology at the Spanish Institute of Agronomic Research (INIA).Key words: anther embryogenesis; microspore; pollen; Quercus canariensis; Quercus ilex; Quercus robur; Quercus suber; somatic embryogenesis.

Somatic embryogenesis from seeds in a broad range of Vitis vinifera L. varieties: rescue of true-to-type virus-free plants

“…However, in our study GFLV and GLRaV-3 were detected in some SE-derived plants by RT-PCR indicating that these viruses were in the seed explants. Whereas GFLV was described to be transmitted by seeds in grapevine [ 36 ], to the best of our knowledge this is not reported for GLRaV-3 [ 35 , 37 ]. Despite this result, the sanitation percentages obtained in this work were high (68–100%) for all tested virus and varieties.…”

Induction of somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos and young apical leaves in cork oak (Quercus suber L.)

“…Furthermore, vegetative propagation of mature individuals is not viable by classic methods. Thus, all these difficulties have impeded the development of genetic improvement programs for this species (Gomez-Garay et al 2014).…”

Influence of Amino Acids on the Secondary Somatic Embryogenesis Proliferation Process of Moroccan Cork Oak (<i>Quercus suber</i> L.)

“…Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is considered one of the most important multipurpose species in all the Mediterranean area due to its ecological value as an environmental protector. Seed production and cork-derived industries have a major economic input into the maintenance of rural populations [1]. In the Moroccan cork oak forest ecosystem, the economic interest of this species has facilitated the development of new strategies for reforestation programs [2].…”