This review examines recent advances in the induction and development of so
matic embryos in leguminous plants. Emphasis has been given to identify the
current trends and successful strategies for the establishment of somatic
embryogenic systems, particularly in the economically important species. It
appears that, in legumes, somatic embryogenesis can be realized relatively
easily especially in young meristematic tissues such as immature embryos a
nd developing leaves. In the majority of the species examined, chlorophenox
yacetic acids remained the most active inductive compounds; however, the ne
w generation growth regulators such as thidiazuron are emerging as successf
ul alternatives for high-frequency direct regeneration of somatic embryos,
even from well differentiated explant tissues. Low-frequency embryo product
ion, poor germination and conversion of somatic embryos into plantlets and
somaclonal variation are the major impediments limiting the utility of soma
tic embryogenesis for biotechnological applications in legumes. These limit
ations, however, may be considerably reduced in the near future, as more ne
wly developed growth regulators with specific morphogenic targets become av
ailable for experimentation. From the published data, it is apparent that m
ore effort should be given to develop repetitive embryogenic systems with h
igh frequency of germination and regeneration, since such systems will find
immediate application in mass propagation and other crop improvement progr
ammes. As our understanding of various morphogenic processes, including gro
wth and differentiation of zygotic embryos, is fast expanding, it is concei
vable that development of highly efficient somatic embryogenic systems with
practical application can be anticipated, at least for the important legum
inous crops, in the foreseeable future.