Abstract

The chapter reviews the progress made in somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration of Eucalyptus citriodora. A brief introduction to the genus and the different methods of clonal propagation are also given. The section on culture initiation describes the conditions under which somatic embryogenesis is induced from seed explants. Maintenance of the cultures were carried out in the form of an 'embryogenic mass' which underwent repetitive embryogenesis. The effect of different factors on the long term maintenance of the embryogenic mass, the conversion of embryos to plantlets and their establishment to soil were studied. The effect of encapsulation of embryos on conversion rates were also studied. The relevance of the study and future prospects are discussed in the conclusion