Work packages
The project MULTIFOREVER – Towards intensification of conifer production through multi-varietal forestry based on somatic embryogenesis.
Although conifer somatic embryogenesis has been studied for more than 30 years (since 1985), the theory behind is still poorly understood and based on complex pathways hindering practical implications. One main current drawback is that somatic embryos typically can only be obtained from juvenile propagules of unknown performance such as zygotic embryos from seeds.
Somatic embryogenesis cannot routinely be achieved from vegetative tissue of tested, mature trees, although some efforts are encouraging in pine and spruce. Somatic embryos from seeds are appropriate for the bulk propagation of untested varieties from elite families; but for multi-varietal forestry based on tested varieties, somatic embryogenesis must be coupled with cryopreservation to preserve the juvenility of embryogenic lines, while corresponding varieties are field-tested. After evaluation of tree performance (a long process, typically 10-15 years), selected varieties can be a posteriori and true-to-type propagated from the cryostock.
Additional challenges for somatic embryo initiation from zygotic embryos arise and include low genotype capture, sub-optimal quality and yield in embryos and plants as well as laborious handling at different steps resulting in high costs of somatic trees compared to standard seedlings.
Work Package 1
“The Holy Grail”:
how can older trees be multiplied?
Work Package 2
“Streamline the process”:
approaches to improve the current system of somatic embryogenesis.
Work Package 3
“It’s the mix that matters”:
exchange of somatic trees across Europe and set-up of field trials.
Work Package 4
“Who will make the big bucks?”:
towards technology transfer.
Work Package 5
“You just don’t know it yet”: communication on different levels and audiences: with stakeholders, the public, scientists…
Work Package 6
“Together we are stronger”: internal project organization (management & monitoring). Achieving tight cooperation to further fulfil as much potential of the MULTIFOREVER consortium.
Communication & management
To support our R&D endeavor!
WP1
Basic & applied research
(TRL 1-3).


Somatic embryogenesis from trees (initiation).
« The Holy Grail »
WP2
Advanced research
(TRL 2-4).


Somatic embryogenesis from seeds (optimisation).
« Streamline the process! »
WP3
Technological
demonstration (TRL 5).


Demo trials of multi-varietal forestry (setup).
« It’s the mix that matters! »
WP4
Advanced research & demonstration (TRL 3-5).


Scaling-up and automatisation (market).
« Who will make the big bucks? »
Research & Development WPs
Work Package 1
Somatic embryogenesis from vegetative tissue of trees.
One higher goal is the direct multiplication of elite trees bypassing unpredictable recombination events when using seeds as starting material. This strategic research is intended to understand, refine and advance the somatic embryogenesis process.
We aim to use physiologically “older” tissues than seeds as explants for direct somatic embryogenesis initiation from selected trees (e.g. needles, buds). This process is still considered non-practicable for conifers, but promising results have been obtained by partners.

Selected elite trees


Buds



Needles


Multi-varietal forest

Research & Development WPs
Work Package 2
Somatic embryogenesis from seed embryos.
Although the most advanced system, somatic embryogenesis from seeds, is established for a number of conifers (see reviews), somatic embryo storage and development need to be improved at critical steps, mainly in regard to easy/affordable storage, increased and constant, high-quality embryo formation and reliable conversion to somatic seedlings ready for planting.
Research & Development WPs
Work Package 3
Demo trials of multi-varietal forestry based on somatic embryogenesis, reinforcing EU collaboration.
The consortium may arrange demo field trials of multi-varietal forestry from a large number of already cryopreserved embryogenic lines with a wide range of genetic backgrounds and characteristics. This collection represents a variety of bred elite parental trees according to species and desirable traits.
- Use and exchange selected varieties and suitable varietal mixtures to design demo trials.
- The “perfect mix” for different purposes may be ultimately identified.
Existing embryogenic line collection of conifer species in liquid nitrogen (-196°C).



Exchange network of different lines and species and set-up of demo trials.

Somatic embryogenesis « fluidic » system developed by UPSC (patent).
A value-added chain for routine use of the somatic embryogenesis process based on bioreactor set-up and automation of somatic embryos harvest, selection (image analysis) and transfer in miniplugs.
Research & Development WPs
Work Package 4
Towards technology transfer: scaling-up and automation of the somatic embryogenesis process.
So far the somatic embryogenesis process is mostly hand-operated in research labs and thus labour intensive and expensive compared to standard seedlings. For routine application we intend to develop up-scaling and automation strategies to facilitate the single steps.
- We work towards an operative plan for a joint EU pilot facility (automation-supported plant production through somatic embryogenesis).
- We will develop a concept for commercialization of somatic varieties (EU market analysis and business plan).
Communication & management
To support our R&D endeavor!
WP5


Communication on different levels and audiences: with stakeholders, the public, scientists…
« You just don’t know it yet »
WP6


Internal project organization (management & monitoring). Achieving tight cooperation to further fulfill as much potential of the MULTIFOREVER consortium.
« Together we are stronger »
Communication and Management WPs
Work Package 5
Strong dissemination & communication plans.
Communication on different levels and audiences: with stakeholders, the public, scientists…
- Aim: raising awareness among stakeholders and the general public throught an extensive communication plan.
- Strong dissemination and communication plans to raise.
i) forest professionals.
ii) decision-makers / regulatory officers.
iii) general public awareness and acceptance about multi-varietal forestry based on somatic embryogenesis.









front row:
J.-F. Trontin (Coord. FCBA, France), M.E. Gauchat (INTA, Argentina), U. Egertsdotter (UPSC, Sweden), I. Dobrowolska (UPSC, Sweden), A. Rupps (co-Coord., HUB, Germany)
Back row:
C. Teyssier (INRAE, France), P. Moncaleán (NEIKER, Spain), M.-A. Lelu-Walter (INRAE, France), J. Raschke (HUB, Germany), T. Aronen (LUKE, Finland), I. Montalbán (NEIKER, Spain), B. Dedicova (UPSC, Sweden)
Communication and Management WPs
Work Package 6
Achieving tight cooperation to further fulfil as much potential of the MULTIFOREVER consortium.
- Strong involvement of partners in most tasks, double coordination of project and all WPs.
- Entitled management of all inputs by partners.
- Extensive discussion and lab/nursery/field trips in respective countries during annual meetings.
- Formalizing checklists and mobility actions.
- Internal and external collaboration facilitated by the Consortium Agreement terms.
- Strong reporting and impact assessment.