Abstract: Translucent white embryogenic calli were produced from mature zygotic embryos of Picea meyeri Rehd. et Wils. which were stored at 4 to 6 cE for one month and then cultured on modified medium LP supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L 6-BA in the dark for one month. It was shown from the whole callus-stained sections that the embryogenic callus consisted of a group of small meristematic cells at one end (embryonal end) and many long cells at the other (suspensor) which were named as embryogenic suspensor masses (ESM). ESM, when subcultured on medium MS supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L KT in the dark, remained good reproductive and embryogenic potential. When ESM were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 5 mg/L ABA and 5 mg/L AgNOs for one month, a lot of normal somatic embryos were produced. The mature somatic embryo developed root of 1.5 to 2.5 cm in length if cultured on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.5% activated charcoal but without hormone for 40 d and leaves for 60 d. Light,concentrations of ABA, sucrose and AgNO3 were the main factors of influencing somatic embryogenesis.

Key words: Picea meyeri, Tissue culture, Somatic embryogenesis, Plantlet regeneration