The histology of somatic embryo initiation and development in pistachio ( Pistacia were L.) embryogenic masses (EMS) derived from leaf explants was examined using light microscopy. Explants with somatic embryos at different developmental stages were fixed for histological examination, cut into 10 µm thick sections, stained with hematoxylin-eosin and observed microscopically. The histological examination showed that the two types of cell clusters induced originated from explants and were morphologically different. These results clearly demonstrate that the induction and development of somatic embryos from leaf explants of pistachio were from single epidermal or subepidermal cells.

The histology of somatic embryo initiation and development in pistachio ( Pistacia were L.) embryogenic masses (EMS) derived from leaf explants was examined using light microscopy. Explants with somatic embryos at different developmental stages were fixed for histological examination, cut into 10 µm thick sections, stained with hematoxylin-eosin and observed microscopically. The histological examination showed that the two types of cell clusters induced originated from explants and were morphologically different. These results clearly demonstrate that the induction and development of somatic embryos from leaf explants of pistachio were from single epidermal or subepidermal cells.