Somatic Embryogenesis in Ornamentals and Its Applications

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.

Dr. Abdul Mujib is currently working as Assistant Professor at Department of Botany, Hamdard University, New Delhi, India. Some of his publications are: Vincristine, vinblastine production by Biotechnological intervention (Eds. J. Aslam, A. Mujib, M.P. Sharma). LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany (2010), pp. 220. Somatic embryogenesis (Eds: A. Mujib and J. Samaj) Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, New York (2006), pp.357. In vitro application in crop improvement (Eds: A. Mujib, M.J. Cho, S. Predieri and S. Banerjee), Science Publishers Inc., New Hampshire, USA; Plymouth, UK (2004), pp.317. A. Mujib, Muzamil Ali, Tasiu Isah, Dipti (2014). Somatic embryo mediated mass production of Catharanthus roseus in culture vessel (bioreactor) - a comparative study. SJBS, DOI:10.1016/j.sjbs.2014.05.007 A. Mujib, Dipti Tonk, Muzamil Ali (2014). Plant regeneration from protoplasts in Indian local Coriandrum sativum L.: Scanning electron microscopy and histological evidences for somatic embryogenesis. Plant Cell, Tissue Org Cult DOI 10.1007/s11240-014-0442-3 A. Mujib, S. Banerjee, M. Maqsood and P. D. Ghosh (2013). Somatic Embryogenesis of Some Member Ornamental Genera of Amaryllidaceae and Allied Families: The Similarities and Differences. The Open Horticulture Journal. 6, 9-18. A. Mujib, S. Banerjee and P. D. Ghosh (2013). Tissue culture induced variability in some horticultural important ornamentals: chromosomal and molecular Basis - A review. Biotechnology 12(6): 213-224.