Provides an insight into current advances in the development of somatic embryogenesis, as well as the cellular and molecular mechanism, differential gene expression, and extracellular protein markers during different developing stages of somatic embryogenesis. It cover somatic embryogenesis in dicotyledons and monocotyledons plants, different factors regulating somatic embryogenesis (plant genotype, level of sugar in the medium, type and concentration of growth regulators, photoperiod, gelling agents, time exposure, induction and maturation medium), application of complex organic additives (often involves fruit juices, pulp, extracts and homogenates as well as liquid endosperms, protein hydrolysates like casein hydrolysate, tryptone, and yeast lysate like yeast extract), genetic fidelity of somatic embryos derived plantlets and role of connecting stress leading in expression of transcription factor that appears to connect stress and developmental signalling pathways and is essential for the subsequent signal transduction cascade that leads to the formation of somatic embryos. Expression of different genes associated with the accumulation of storage reserve during somatic embryogenesis along with isolation and molecular characterization of miRNAs at different developmental stages of embryogenesis, and finally proteomics during somatic embryogenesis has been discussed in detail.

Vincristine and vinblastine are two important anticancerous alkaloids present in Catharanthus roseus. Isolation of these compounds from in vivo grown plants is impeded by low productivity, is therefore very expensive. Biotechnological methodologies have recently been employed in improving the yield. In this monograph, somatic embryogenesis - an important biotechnology based technique has been described as to enrich alkaloid levels in C. roseus. Biomass production by optimizing embryo proliferation, maturation and large scale plantlets development has been discussed. The influence of cultural conditions and other controlling factor's role has been evaluated. The monograph discusses the applications of overproducing mutant cell lines after successful in vitro mutagenesis. The augmentation possibility of cell biomass by employing large scale fermenter/ bioreactor has also been suggested for commercial applications. The established protocol may offer an ideal opportunity in developing Catharanthus transgenics enmasse.

Discusses pivotal role of somatic embryogenesis in micropropagation, advantages of somatic embryogenesis over organogenesis, effect of external and internal factors associated with the embryogenic cell growth and developmental process, embryo encapsulation and in vitro selection; somatic embryogenesis in ornamentals, fruit yielding and medicinally valuable plants, production of phytochemicals by embryogenic cultures; histomorphological studies of embryogenic callus to identify different stages of somatic embryos and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation and plantlet regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in food, fruit, fibre and medicinally important plants.