Classroom exercises in the study of orchardgrass somatic embryogenesis

Orchardgrass is a member of the Poaceae, a family characterized by monocotyledonous-type embryos. This species is unique in that somatic embryogenesis can be induced from the cultured leaves of potted plants, which can be maintained conveniently in the greenhouse. Both embryogenic callus and isolated somatic embryos develop directly from cultured leaf sections. Embryogenic callus can be maintained indefinitely. Somatic embryos exhibit typical embryo morphology and germinate readily into plants. Exercises designed to lead students through aspects of culture initiation, maintenance, and plant regeneration are described.