A multi-step process by which
plant somatic embryos can be sown and germinated ex vitro using conventional seeding equipment, growing mixes, and
plant propagation environments. The process most preferably comprises the steps of: placing a somatic
embryo on or within a three-phase substrate, the phases comprising
solid, liquid and gas phases, placing the substrate containing a somatic
embryo into an environmentally-controlled
plant-growing environment in which at least one
environmental factor (i.e.
moisture level within the three-phase substrate,
atmospheric humidity, temperature, nutrients, ambient
light intensity and diurnal photoperiod) may be controlled and manipulated, manipulating at least one of the environmental factors to enable and facilitate
germination of the somatic
embryo, and applying water and / or
nutrient solutions at regular intervals, the intervals preferably
ranging from 1 minute-24 hours, to the surface of the substrate in the form of microdroplets, preferably for a period of time
ranging between 3 to eight weeks, such that somatic embryo
imbibition,
germination, growth and development occur. The process can be practiced in non-sterile conditions with “naked” fresh and / or HRHT-treated and / or desiccated embryos, i.e., non-encapsulated or otherwise uncoated embryos, and does not require the use of aseptic techniques or sterilized media or equipment.