Patent ID: 7795029

Claim:
A method of sowing a heterotrophic somatic plant embryo or germinant of a conifer species to facilitate growth of the embryo or germinant into an autotrophic seedling, which method comprises the following steps: providing a nutrient medium comprising particles of a solid component contained within a flowable component containing water and a carbohydrate nutrient for the embryo or germinant, said flowable component being selected from the group consisting of a fluid and a semi-solid, and said solid particles being present at a concentration up to 10% (w/v); dispensing a quantity of the nutrient medium onto a surface of a porous solid growth substrate for the somatic plant embryo or germinant and contacting said plant embryo or germinant with said nutrient medium; and exposing said embryo or germinant to environmental conditions effective for growth into an autotrophic seedling; wherein at least said dispensing, contacting and exposing steps are carried out ex vitro in non-sterile conditions; and wherein said particles forming said solid component are adapted to remain in contact with said embryo or germinant after said flowable component undergoes dissipation in said environmental conditions, thereby providing continuing physical support for said embryo or germinant after said dissipation.