The volumes in this series provide an update to progress on somatic embryogenesis in woody plants including both angiosperm and gymnosperm trees. In the past, most of the information on this subject was scattered in proceedings volumes, journals and biotechnology books. It has been difficult for the researchers and students to obtain comprehensive information on this rapidly growing subject from a single source. These books enable readers to get a clear view of this subject on historical, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and molecular aspects, and applications including protoplasts, cryopreservation, manufactured seed (artificial seed), genetic transformation, bioreactors, mutations, and future uses in forest plantations. Each selected woody plant mentioned is briefly introduced first, covering botany and genetics, importance and geographical distribution, breeding problems and in vitro propagation and problems of each selected woody plant. This is followed by a description of the initiation and maintenance of embryogenic cultures, embryo development and germination, and field trials (if any) of these plants. The books are intended for graduate students and researchers in forestry and horticulture as well as biotechnologists.