Method and apparatus for culturing autotrophic plants from heterotrophic

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for growing embryonic or other undeveloped plant material in a controlled, biologically sterile environment to produce plants capable of surviving in soil in an uncontrolled environment. Cloned somatic embryos of a particular plant are individually embeddeed in separate sterile plugs comprised of a soil-like particulate medium. A volume of aqueous medium comprising a source of carbon and energy for the somatic embryos, and plant growth regulating substances, if required, is added to each plug. The sterile plugs are then isolated from the ambient environment while permitting exposure to light and atmospheric gases sufficient to effect development of photosynthesis in the developing embryos in the plugs. While in such isolation, the resulting plantlets develop roots and shoots. The resulting autotrophic plants are then removed from isolation and the growth medium is altered to remove the carbon and energy source to limit the capacity of the medium to support plant harming microbes. The plants are then transplanted. Several embodiments are disclosed involving compartmentalized trays and covering films or bags by which embryo-containing plugs are kept isolated from each other and from the environment during development of the embryos.