Development of Somatic Embryogenesis-Based
Propagation of Korean Fir (Abies koreana) for the Virginia Christmas Tree and Ornamental Industry

The Christmas Tree Industry has significant national importance, with between 34-36 million trees produced annually, worth several billion dollars.  Approximately 1-2 million trees produced in Virginia are sold annually, and this trend is increasing.  In order to maintain production, annual plantings are required to sustain this.  Various pine, fir and spruce species of importance based on various characteristics (color, shape, fragrance); factors affecting yield production.

Recently, the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association (VCTGA) flagged Korean Fir (Abies koreana) as a good potential lowland Christmas tree species, capable of growth in the lower elevations and soils of the Piedmont and coastal plain.  In addition, it has a good compact pyramidal shape, horizontal branching, short needles and pretty, violet-blue cones.  All of these characteristics suggest qualities for a nice Christmas and landscaping tree.

We are developing a somatic embryogenesis protocol targeting induction, maturation and plantlet production.  In addition, we are developing Korean fir somatic embryogenesis as an experimental system to study the biochemical and molecular regulatory mechanisms of conifer embryo development., including proteasome involvement in embryogenesis.   In addition, Dr. Ulrika Egertsdotter (VT Forestry) and I have a collaborative project exploring somatic embryogenesis in Loblolly Pine, Longleaf Pine and  Oocarpa Pine.