Somatic embryogenesis in rose: Gene expression and genetic transformation

Induction of somatic embryogenesis in roses involves several critical steps requiring specific tissue culture media compositions and particular manipulations of explants. However, it is important to note that although there are various reports on successful induction of somatic embryogenesis in rose, these are often limited to particular genotypes. Therefore, to date, there is no single protocol for inducing somatic embryogenesis that can be used for multiple rose genotypes. Nevertheless, advances have been made in studying regulation of gene expression during somatic embryogenesis. Moreover, successful genetic transformation of rose has been achieved using embryogenic cultures. Transgenic rose lines with desirable traits have now been obtained. Further opportunities for exploiting somatic embryogenesis for genetic manipulation and improvement of roses will become available with all these current achievements and future efforts.