This book discusses basic and
applied aspects of somatic embryogenesis, one of the most powerful tools in
plant biotechnology. It is divided into three parts; Part I includes topics
such as the history of this research field, how differentiated plant cells can
(re)acquire totipotency, molecular features, as well as the epigenetics and
proteomics of somatic embryogenesis. Part II covers
the somatic embryogenesis of different crops, such as Agave spp. maize, Cocos nucifera, Bixa orellana,
Capsicum spp., Coffea spp., Musa spp., Pinus spp., and Arabidopsis thaliana. Various applications, like scale-up propagation
and genetic engineering are discussed in detail in Part III. The book will appeal
to plant scientists, plant breeders and experts working in industry.