alkionviljelystä

Alkionviljely, or embryo culture, is a technique used in plant breeding and horticulture to rescue embryos that may not survive on their own. This can occur when there is a genetic incompatibility between the parent plants, leading to premature embryo abortion. By excising the developing embryo at an early stage and providing it with a sterile nutrient medium in a laboratory setting, it can be given the opportunity to grow into a complete plant.

The process typically involves carefully removing the ovule from a fertilized flower and then dissecting out the embryo. This embryo is then placed on an agar-based medium containing sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and plant hormones. Environmental conditions such as temperature, light, and humidity are carefully controlled to promote growth. Once the embryo develops into a seedling, it can be transplanted into soil.

Alkionviljely is particularly valuable in interspecific or intergeneric crosses, where hybridization is difficult or impossible through conventional methods. It has been instrumental in developing new crop varieties with desirable traits like disease resistance or improved yield. The technique also finds applications in rescuing rare or endangered plant species that have difficulties in natural seed germination or propagation. While effective, it requires sterile techniques and specialized knowledge to ensure success.