Somatic embryogenesis in Abies nebrodensis, an endangered Sicilian fir

Abstract Somatic embryogenesis, as a promising biotechnological tool for many conifer trees, has never been applied the Abies nebrodensis species. Although all encouraging results previously obtained by EU LIFE (European program) funded projects in over ten years, critically endangered Sicilian fir remains alarmingly close to extinction. In this study, we reported first protocol of somatic embryogenesis from mature zygotic embryos . Seeds adult trees with specific identification numbers (IN) were collected and full seeds identified X-ray. Different experiments carried out callus initiation, both immature embryos, testing different culture media. The did not give embryogenic tissue (ET). Embryogenic (EC) was successfully induced variable frequencies (0–40%). Schenk Hilderbrandt (SH) most suitable initiation medium where rate reached up 40% IN7 (first experiment). 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed be essential induce EC (second IN8 presented highest (40%) among tested donor whereas IN13 recorded lowest 4% (third ET maturation each singular embryo IN7, IN8, IN10 IN21 achieved SH containing 37,83 µM abscisic acid (ABA), 8% polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) maltose. encapsulation technology assessed on its proliferation observed after encapsulation.