Micropropagation via organogenesis in slash pine

Highly efficient and reproducible in vitro regeneration systems via somatic embryogenesis or organogenesis are a prerequisite for clonal propagation of elite genotypes of specific plant species and for production of transgenic plants (Becwar et al., 1990; Attree & Fowke, 1993; Tang & Newton, 2003). Although plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis has been reported in a number of coniferous species, plant regeneration via organogenesis from callus cultures has been obtained in only a few conifers (Hakman & Fowke, 1987; Nørgaard & Krogstrup, 1991; Tang et al., 2004). Routine methods of transformation are still hampered by the lack of readily available, highly efficient, and long-term regenerable cell and tissue culture systems in conifers (Handley et al., 1995; Tang & Newton, 2004).