William C. Carlson

Somatic Embryogenesis in Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga Menziesii )

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is one of the most important timber species in the world and is a member of the Pinaceae family. It is the principal timber species in the Pacific Northwest of America, where it reaches up to 126 m in height and 5 m in diameter (Hermann & Lavender, 1990) and a standing volume up to 5,460 m3/h in the old growth stands. The forest industry is an important contributor to the base economy and employment in western North America, especially in the western parts of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, where Pseudotsuga menziesii is the predominant species. It is also planted in New Zealand, Central and Western Europe (including the British Isles), Argentina and Chile.

Dimensional Model of Zygotic Douglas‐Fir Embryo Development

A dimensional model of Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) zygotic embryo development was constructed from polarization of the embryo into a stele promeristem and root cap in early July until seed‐shed in mid‐September. Total embryo length was found to be a useful variable for integrating organ and meristem development. Apical meristems formed and had completed development just before cotyledon initiation when the embryo was ca. 800–1200 μm in length (<25% of final length). A dramatic transition from root cap growth to a rapid phase of hypocotyl and cotyledon development occurred following cotyledon initiation at ca. 1300 μm total length. This indicates that the early and late stage of embryo development should be defined on whether histogenesis is complete and cotyledons have been initiated. Cell division continued in the root cap, hypocotyl, and cotyledons during the late stage. A distinct phase of cell enlargement in the absence of cell division was not observed. Instead, hypocotyl and cotyledon cells increased in size gradually during the late stage, while root cap cells did not exhibit any cell enlargement. Completion of dimensional development occurred in a root cap, hypocotyl, and cotyledon sequence based on when organs reached mature length ranges and when cell division ceased.

Clonal propagation of conifers via somatic embryogenesis.

The technology to initiate, maintain, and develop somatic embryos and emblings of conifer species via somatic embryogenesis (SE) is now well established. ABA and osmolality of the medium are important factors controlling embryo development. Good quality embryos have been produced on fibrous pads imbibed with liquid medium containing a combination of polyethylene glycol (MW 4,000–8,000), ABA and activated charcoal. High osmolality of the medium in the pad has been maintained by adding a second pad (soaked with higher osmolality medium) beneath the first. This method yields 10–60 cotyledonary embryos/ml settled embryonal suspensor masses (ESM). We have grown emblings from several genotypes of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in soil for field testing, and established over 1100 emblings of Norway spruce (P. Abies) and 600 emblings of Douglas-fir from several genotypes on typical Weyerhaeuser forest regeneration sites. The emblings exhibit uniform growth and phenology within a clone, compared with seedlings. The morphology of all trees appears normal.

A Device for Rapid Quantification of Seedling Morphology

Tree seedling growth response to environmental variables is of key concern in reforestation research. Physiological and morphological parameters affect this growth response. Scientists studying seedling cultural practices, genetic adaptability, and reforestation techniques need to test the quantitative effects of environment on seedling performance. However, inadequate standardized measurements of seedling morphology within and/ or between environmental treatment areas has often blocked these tests.