Method of ex vitro sowing, germination, growth and conversion of plant somatic embryos or germinants, and nutrient medium used therefor

Abstract

A method of sowing a somatic plant embryo or germinant of a conifer species to facilitate subsequent development of the embryo or germinant into an autotrophic seedling. The method involves the following steps carried out ex vitro in non-sterile conditions: providing a nutrient medium comprising particles of a solid component present within a flowable or semi-solid component containing water and a carbohydrate nutrient for the embryo or germinant, dispensing a quantity of the nutrient medium onto a surface of a porous solid growth substrate for the somatic plant embryo or germinant, and contacting the plant embryo or germinant with the nutrient medium. The nutrient medium has a fluidity such that at least some of the flowable or semi-solid component containing the carbohydrate nutrient remains in contact with the embryo or germinant at least until the embryo or germinant establishes vigorous growth under environmental conditions effective for such growth. The particles of the solid component are adapted to remain in contact with the embryo or germinant after of the flowable or semi-solid material dissipates, thereby providing continuing physical support for the embryo or germinant after the dissipation. The invention also relates to seedlings produced in this way and to the nutrient solution.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . A nutrient medium for a somatic plant embryo or germinant of a conifer species, which medium comprises particles of a solid component present within an aqueous flowable component comprising a flowable or semi-solid component containing a carbohydrate nutrient for the embryo or germinant, wherein said nutrient medium has a viscosity such that, when contacted with said embryo or germinant, at least some of said flowable or semi-solid component containing the carbohydrate nutrient remains in contact with said embryo or germinant as said embryo or germinant proceeds to grow and convert to an autotrophic seedling under environmental conditions effective for said conversion, and wherein said particles of the solid component of the nutrient medium remain in contact with said embryo or germinant after said flowable or semi-solid material dissipates, thereby providing continuing physical support for said embryo or germinant after said dissipation.  
   
   
       34 . The medium of  claim 33 , which comprises employing, as said nutrient medium, a medium that has a fluidity under said environmental conditions such that it may be dispensed under gravity or pressure from an orifice onto said porous solid growth substrate.  
   
   
       35 . The medium of  claim 33 , wherein said solid particles comprise flexible or elongated fibers.  
   
   
       36 . The medium of  claim 35 , wherein said fibers are made of alpha-cellulose.  
   
   
       37 . The medium of  claim 36 , wherein said fibres are present in a concentration range up to 10% (w/v).  
   
   
       38 . The medium of  claim 36 , wherein said fibers are present in the range between 3 and 8% (w/v).  
   
   
       39 . The medium of  claim 36 , wherein said medium also contains methyl-cellulose, agar, agarose, phytagel, gellan gum, or gelcarin either singly or in combinations of two or more of the aforementioned gelling agents.  
   
   
       40 . The medium of  claim 39 , wherein the methyl-cellulose, agar, agarose, phytagel, gellan gum or gelcarin concentrations in the nutrient medium ranges between 0 and 6% w/v.  
   
   
       41 - 44 . (canceled)