Defence reactions of developing somatic embryos of Algerian fir (Abies numidica)

Defence reactions of embryonal suspensor mass (ESM), precotyledonary, cotyledonary and desiccated cotyledonary somatic embryos of Abies numidica were tested by dual cultures with Phaeolus schweinitzii. Defence reactions were expressed at a very early stage of somatic embryo development. Both ESM and early somatic embryos inhibited mycelial growth, but the strongest defence was shown by the precotyledonary somatic embryos. The cotyledonary and desiccated cotyledonary embryos also showed defence reactions but with less intensity. Eight major components of soluble proteins, already present in the ESM, increased in concentration during subsequent developmental stages. Synthesis of two low‐molecular components of 6 and 3 kDa appeared in desiccated embryos. Probable regulation of defence reactions by auxins in early somatic embryos, as well as by abscisic acid content and storage proteins in subsequent developmental stages, is discussed.