Isolation of High Yields of Viable Protoplasts from Quaking Aspen Seedlings and Cultured Loblolly Pine Cell Suspensions

Since the discovery of enzymatic isolation of plant protoplasts (1), we have seen tremendous research activity in this area of research (2). Trees have long life cycles with extended juvenile phases restricting their availability for sexual breeding and seed collection. Thus, there is an urgent need for application of protoplast technology and attendant molecular and somatic genetics to tree improvement programs.