Current status and future perspectives of somatic embryogenesis inLilium

Lilies (Liliumspp.) are famous bulb flowers worldwide with high ornamental value. Somatic embryogenesis in plants, which exhibits the advantages of universal occurrence, genetic stability, and suitability as an exogenous gene transfer receptor system, is vital to bulb propagation, germplasm preservation, genetic trait improvement and polyploid breeding inLilium. This review systematically summarizes the current research progress onLiliumsomatic embryogenesis and provides information on the influencing factors, procedures, and physiological and molecular mechanisms of somatic embryogenesis; the applications and prospects of somatic embryogenesis in the lily industry; and the difficulties associated withLiliumsomatic embryogenesis. This review aims to provide comprehensive and valuable information for future research on somatic embryogenesis inLilium. Key message This review provides the first report on the research progress inLiliumsomatic embryogenesis. The review analyzes main factors affecting this developmental pathway, its physiological and molecular mechanisms, and its application in the lily industry and discusses the research difficulties and application prospects of somatic embryogenesis inLilium.