Experimental and Practical Application of Fern Somatic Embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a fascinating developmental program that was first described for carrot 60 years ago. In 2015, the first report of SE in the Monilophyta was published for Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Using the data obtained for somatic embryo induction and development in this tree fern, we presented a new model system for studying early events in SE. Here, we summarize what is known of that model system, which requires a hormone-free medium to induce embryogenic competence. Special emphasis is placed on hormonal regulation of somatic-to-embryogenic transition and on the cytomorphological and proteomic changes that occur during early SE. Our research also reveals that SE is able to improve fern productivity to a much greater extent than can current conventional in vitro propagation methods for cryptogamic plants.