Immature zygotic embryos of Quercus variabilis were as explants to induce somatic embryogenesis. Several factors influencing somatic embryogenesis have been assayed. Somatic embryos can be induced in MS and WPM basal medium, but there was more quantity, big size and high induction rate in MS medium. Induction rate was not significant cultured in light and dark condition. Zygotic embryos, collected in middle of July, gave higher rate of somatic embryogenesis than those collected on the earlier or later date. By adding 6-BA in medium individually, somatic embryogenesis appeared directly on the zygotic embryos without detectable callus. Secondary embryogenesis appeared in medium with 2,4-D individual or combined with 6-BA or TDZ. High induction frequency of 90% was achieved in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·L -1 6-BA and 2,4-D, whereas the rate in hormone-free medium was only 16.7%. The genotypes of mother trees had an great impact on the inducing rate. Zygotic embryo surgery treatments were not favorable to embryogenesis. It was best to inoculate with entire zygotic embryos. The hypocotyl was a crucial part on somatic embryogenesis for Q. variabilis.
