Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Legumes

The family Leguminosae or Fabaceae is one of the largest and most diverse groups of plants represented by approximately 700 genera that encompass almost 18,000 species. The woody leguminous species, including trees, shrubs and vines, embody a highly divergent taxonomic grouping of plants that occupy various niches in ecosystems throughout the temperate and tropical world. These plants are especially important in tropical and semiarid environments, producing food for human consumption, pesticides and medicines, fodder for wildlife and domesticated livestock, and wood for construction, paper products, and fuel (Trigiano et al. 1992). Many of these multipurpose leguminous trees form mutualistic associations with nitrogen fixing bacteria (i.e., Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium species), which significantly influence or alter soil fertility. In temperate areas, woody species are often used for biomass, land reclamation of mining sites, and ornamental plantings.