Embryogenetic studies as a basis for strategies of reproduction and conservation of tree species

• Grant number: 04/03333-1
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2005
• End date: December 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany
• Principal Investigator: Eny Iochevet Segal Floh
• Grantee: Eny Iochevet Segal Floh
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Principal investigators: Walter Handro
• Associated scholarship(s): 05/58747-8 - Comparative proteomic analysis and biochemical variations during the zygotic and somatic embryogenesis of Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze., BP.DR; 05/58208-0 - Physiological, biochemical aspects and comparative proteomic analysis during the maturation, germination and conversion into plants of embryos of Ocotea catharinensis Mez. (Lauraceae), BP.DR; 05/50960-4 - Study of the embryogenesis in Ocotea catharinensis Mez. (Lauraceae): physiological, biochemical and molecular aspects, BP.PD

Abstract

The use of plant cell tissue and organ cultures has emerged as important tool when the propagation of tropical woody plants in the reforestation programs is concerned. This technique has been adopted for plants in which the massive propagation has been precluded by low productivity and or low viability of seeds, long-term seed maturation, and limited vegetative propagation. In this regard, in vitro somatic embryogenesis has been successfully applied in production of somatic cell and viable embryos, in a morphogenetic process closely related to the natural process of zygotic embryogenesis. The major aim of this project is to investigate major physiological, biochemical and molecular changes during the somatic embryogenesis of Araucaria angustifolia and Ocotea catharinensis, two economically important woody plants in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. The results would pave the way to determine a general biotechnological process required to propagate and to manage important tropical woody plants. (AU)