Somatic embryogenesis from shoot tip and immature inflorescence of Phoenix dactylifera cv. Barhee.

A method of clonal propagation via somatic embryogenesis of date palm, cultivar Barhee, which has potential for large scale commercial application as well as for developmental studies on embryos is described. Cultures were initiated from shoot tip and immature inflorescence explants, both of which were capable of development into embryogenic callus. When the embryogenic callus was cultured in liquid suspension on a rotary shaker, hundreds of embryos developed from milligram quantities of callus in a fairly synchronous manner. Scanning electron microscopy showed globular, heart-shaped and torpedo-shaped embryos. Green leaves emerged from a white cotyledonary sheath.