Somatic Embryogenesis in Pistachio

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration are fundamental to improve tissue culture biotechnology in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). Hence, this study summarizes the research carried out in pistachio for induction of somatic embryogenesis together with discussing the current status of this technique in pistachio micropropagation. Moreover, it gives a contemporary interpretation of the process of the somatic embryogenesis. Attention has been focused on the influence of factors such as genotype, explant type, media composition, growth regulators, carbohydrate nutritions and treatment periods and interactions of some of these factors on the induction of somatic embryogenesis, maintenance of embryogenic cultures, development, maturation and germination of somatic embryos as well as transplantation of somatic seedlings into in vivo conditions. Although induction, development, maturation and germination of somatic embryos is being controlled to some extent in pistachio, high frequency regeneration, synchronous development of embryos and transplantation to the field were not very successful. As optimisation of an efficient tissue culture and plant regeneration protocol for pistachio is the first step towards the application of transgenic technology to improve pistachio breeding, further studies should be carried out initially to enhance frequency of regeneration from somatic embryos.