Physico-chemical properties of the encapsulation matrix and germination of carrot somatic embryos.

Carrot somatic embryos were encapsulated in alginate gel beads. To improve the quality of a "synthetic seed" coating, the rheology and dehydration properties of different matrices were tested. By increasing alginate and CaCl(2) concentrations, additional mineral elements were shown to increase resistance to rupture, and to depress the germination of somatic embryos.

Physiological behaviour of encapsulated somatic embryos.

Somatic embryos are characterised by the absence of any protection, a very low reserve level and a high water content. The effects on the respiration and the radicular elongation of somatic embryos of a non toxic and easy to use hydrogel, such as alginate, have been studied. Respiration or germination rates decreased with an increase in alginate concentration.