Methods for storing conifer somatic embryo germinants
In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of storing conifer somatic embryo germinants germinated on a sterile germination medium for delayed transplanting into a growth medium. The methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) placing the germinants while still on sterile germination medium into a cold environment in which the temperature is in the range of 0.5° C. to 10° C. for a time period up to six months, said germinants comprising a visible, well-defined epicotyl and radicle; and (b) placing the germinants in water for a time greater than about 1 hour at a temperature below about 24° C. prior to transplantation into growth medium.
1 . A method of increasing the conversion percentage from somatic embryos to plants growing in growth medium, the method comprising:
(a) culturing somatic embryos on sterile germination medium for a sufficient period of time to produce germinants, said germinants comprising a visible, well-defined epicotyl and radicle;
(b) placing the germinants while still on sterile germination medium into a cold environment in which the temperature is in the range of 0.5° C. to 10° C. for a time period up to six months;
(c) placing the germinants in water for a time greater than about 1 hour at a temperature below about 24° C.; and
(d) removing the germinants from the water and planting them into a growth medium for further growth.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the germinants are stored in water for a time from about one week to about two weeks.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the germinants are stored on germination medium for a term period from about one week to about four weeks.
4 . The method of claim 1 in which the germinants are Douglas-fir.
5 . The method of claim 1 in which the germinants are loblolly pine.