Abstract: A method for promoting maturation and development of vigorous conifer (gymnosperm) somatic embryos comprising the use of S(+)-ABA as the substantive form of ABA.

Abstract: A method for promoting maturation and development of vigorous conifer (gymnosperm) somatic embryos comprising the use of S(+)-ABA as the substantive form of ABA.

Abstract: A method for promoting maturation and development of vigorous conifer (gymnosperm) somatic embryos comprising the use of S(+)-ABA as the substantive form of ABA.

Abstract: A process of priming mature, imbibed, germinated somatic embryos of a conifer species. The process comprises fully immersing mature, imbibed, germinated somatic conifer embryos in a sterile liquid nutrient medium, bubbling an oxygen-containing gas through the liquid nutrient medium containing the germinants to form an aerated embryo-containing nutrient medium, optionally exposing the aerated germinant-containing nutrient medium to light, at least intermittently, continuing the immersion, bubbling and optional exposure to light for a period of time effective to produce at least some successfully primed conifer germinants that are adapted for subsequent planting and conversion to viable seedlings, and removing the successfully primed conifer germinants from the nutrient medium.

Abstract: A method for reproducing conifers by somatic embryogenesis is disclosed. A galactose-containing compound is used as a carbon source for an embryogenic culture during at least one of the steps of induction, proliferation, and prematuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a nutrient medium useful for sowing a somatic plant embryo or germinant of conifer species, which comprises particles of a solid component present within a flowable or semi-solid component containing water and a carbohydrate nutrient for the embryos or germinants. The nutrient medium has a fluidity such that at least some of the flowable or semi-solid component containing the carbohydrate nutrient remains in contact with the embryos or germinant at least until the embryo or germinant establishes vigorous growth under environmental conditions effective for such growth. The particles of the solid component are adapted to remain in contact with the embryo or germinant after of the flowable or semi-solid material dissipates, thereby providing continuing physical support for the embryo or germinant after the dissipation.

Abstract: A method of sowing a somatic plant embryo or germinant of a conifer species to facilitate subsequent development of the embryo or germinant into an autotrophic seedling. The method involves the following steps carried out ex vitro in non-sterile conditions: providing a nutrient medium comprising particles of a solid component present within a flowable or semi-solid component containing water and a carbohydrate nutrient for the embryo or germinant, dispensing a quantity of the nutrient medium onto a surface of a porous solid growth substrate for the somatic plant embryo or germinant, to and contacting the plant embryo or germinant with the nutrient medium. The nutrient medium has a fluidity such that at least some of the flowable or semi-solid component containing the carbohydrate nutrient remains in contact with the embryo or germinant at least until the embryo or germinant establishes vigorous growth under environmental conditions effective for such growth.

Abstract: A method of sowing a somatic plant embryo or germinant of a conifer species to facilitate subsequent development of the embryo or germinant into an autotrophic seedling. The method involves the following steps carried out ex vitro in non-sterile conditions: providing a nutrient medium comprising particles of a solid component present within a flowable or semi-solid component containing water and a carbohydrate nutrient for the embryo or germinant, dispensing a quantity of the nutrient medium onto a surface of a porous solid growth substrate for the somatic plant embryo or germinant, and contacting the plant embryo or germinant with the nutrient medium. The nutrient medium has a fluidity such that at least some of the flowable or semi-solid component containing the carbohydrate nutrient remains in contact with the embryo or germinant at least until the embryo or germinant establishes vigorous growth under environmental conditions effective for such growth.

Abstract: Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed.

Abstract: Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed.

Abstract: A multi-step process by which plant somatic embryos can be sown and germinated ex vitro using conventional seeding equipment, growing mixes, and plant propagation environments. The process most preferably comprises the steps of: placing a somatic embryo on or within a three-phase substrate, the phases comprising solid, liquid and gas phases, placing the substrate containing a somatic embryo into an environmentally-controlled plant-growing environment in which at least one environmental factor (i.e.

Abstract: A process of nutripriming plant somatic embryos prior to sowing, comprising contacting an imbibed plant somatic embryo with a solution containing one or more dissolved nutrients, preferably including sucrose as one of the nutrients. The invention includes germinated embryos produced by the process, and a method of producing seedlings or full-grown plants incorporating the nutripriming step. The method preferably makes use of a growth medium containing the nutrient or nutrients used in the nutripriming step.

Abstract: A process of producing somatic seedlings from a somatic embryo. The process comprising pre-germinating somatic embryos, placing the pre-germinated somatic embryos into a state of physiological dormancy, sowing the pre-germinated physiologically dormant somatic embryos onto or into germination media, and propagating the sown pre-germinated somatic embryos in environmental conditions manipulated to facilitate imbibition, germination, and development into complete seedlings possessing shoots and roots. Advantageously, the process may be carried out with “naked” embryos (i.e., non-encapsulated or otherwise coated embryos) using conventional seed handling equipment, growing mixes, and plant propagation environments. The process does not require the use of aseptic techniques or sterilized media or equipment. The invention also relates to pre-germinated embryos and seedlings produced by the process.

Abstract: A desiccation-tolerant mature viable gymnosperm somatic embryo is characterized by a moisture content of less than about 55%. Preferably the moisture content is less than about 45%, and for optimal storage capability at freezing temperatures, less than about 36%. The embryo may have a dry weight and per embryo lipid content higher than the lipid content and dry weight of the corresponding gymnosperm zygotic embryo. Preferred desiccation-tolerant gymnosperm somatic embryos are coniferous somatic embryos having a moisture content of less than about 55%.

Abstract: Desiccated mature gymnosperm somatic embryos, preferably coniferous somatic embryos having a moisture content of less than about 55%, are prepared by water stressing immature embryos in a medium comprising a metabolizable carbon source and a suitable growth regulator influencing embryo development, for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to yield mature viable somatic embryos having a moisture content in the specified range. The water stressing should may be environmental, as by controlled declining relative humidity. Or a suitable osmotic or non-osmotic water stress agent can be used. The use of a non-permeating osmotic water stress agent such as polyethylene glycol of molecular weight at least about 1,000 is preferred, in which case the water stress should simulate a non-osmotic water stress. An example of a suitable preferred growth regulator is abscisic acid.

Abstract: A method of developing and maturing somatic embryos in a growth environment, which method comprises manipulating the water availability of the growth environment using a physical means of control. The invention also provides a growth environment for maturing somatic embryos, wherein the water potential of the embryogenic tissue is manipulated to optimize somatic embryo development and maturation. The invention further relates to a somatic embryo matured by the method of the invention. In the invention, a physical means of control is used to affect the water potential of the embryogenic tissue and developing somatic embryos growth medium, rather than a chemical means such as the introduction of PEG, to stimulate the maturation of the embryos. The physical means may be operated, for example, by separating the somatic embryos from the growth medium by a porous support, or by introducing a gelling agent (e.g. gellan gum) into the growth medium in larger than normal quantities.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a loblolly pine tree which has been denominated varietally as ‘CF L3791’ which is distinguished by high resistance to fusiform rust and pitch canker, excellent stem straightness, medium to wide crown width, few whorls to medium number of whorls, and very fast growth.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a loblolly pine tree which has been denominated varietally as ‘CF Q7766’ which is distinguished by great resistance to fusiform rust and pitch canker, exceptionally high growth rate, excellent stem straightness, distinctive very long internodes, narrow crown.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a loblolly pine tree which has been denominated varietally as ‘CF LP1-7696’ which is distinguished by high growth rate, good resistance to fusiform rust, excellent stem straightness, medium crown width, medium number of whorls, medium branch angle and medium branch diameter.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a slash pine tree which has been denominated varietally as ‘CF PS1-3352’ which is distinguished by high growth rate, good resistance to fusiform rust and pitch canker, excellent stem straightness, medium crown width, long stem internodes, flat to medium branch angle and medium branch diameter.