The concept is as simple as the execution is complex.

In many plants, genetic replication is a relatively simple thing; a simple cutting is taken from a garden plant, resulting in two different, but genetically identical plants. Unfortunately, in many forest tree species, it isn't so simple.

Somatic Embryogensis uses complex molecular biology to achieve the same result as a simple cutting in horticultural plant varieties. Somatic embryogenesis

A process of initiation and development of somatic embryos in vitro from somatic cells and tissues.

relies on the splitting of one embryo into two or more embryos, which can then be grown into genetically elite plants.

What are the implications?

The parallels in the horticultural industry are clear. Look at the varieties of plants, trees, flowers and other vegetation that are widely available to consumers through horticultural nurseries and greenhouses. Most of it comes through genetic replication.

In the agricultural industry there are other parallels. In corn, for example, the average U.S. yield gains through genetic replication have grown from 20 bushels per acre in the 1930's to more than 100 bushels per acre by the late 1990's. The genetic quality of the seed has improved dramatically. In corn, we've developed over 100 generations of improvement from the seed available in the 1930's.

But trees are different. In forestry, we're on our second or third generation. With somatic embryogenesis, we can bring the productivity of better genetics to the global forest products industry.

Faster. More efficiently. More economically.

Why somatic embryogenesis works
At CellFor, we've developed the technology that allows the value of genetic replication to occur indefinitely, allowing us to produce unlimited quantities of genetically uniform seedlings. Better yet, we're developing technology that will allow us to identify and breed better seedlings for future generations.

Unlike conventional forest seed production techniques, somatic embryogenesis is a relatively fast process. This accelerates field testing and seedling line

When used in the context of plant propagation, the term refers to a collection of plants produced asexually either from a single plant or part of a plant. They have the exact same genetic make-up.

selection, and results in faster deployment of genetically elite seedlings in forest plantations.
The result is a faster and more cost-effective process for identifying and producing genetically ideal trees without genetic modification.

The benefits of somatic embryogenesis accrue to the forest owner in greater yield, to the processor in more consistent and uniform feedstock, and to society in more productive forest plantations, and less pressure on the need to harvest natural forests.

Please read on to learn more about our technology.