Earlier, we edited a well received series on "Somatic embryogenesis in woody trees", volumes 1 to 6. These volumes provided readers extensive reviews on somatic embryogenesis of important angiosperm and gymnosperm tree species; an excellent source of information for newcomers or those already engaged in research. However, these book volumes did not cover stepwise "detailed protocols" for inducing somatic embryogenesis. This book contains 46 chapters, divided into 4 sections: A) 12 chapters on conifers, B) 14 chapters on fruits, C) 14 chapters on angiosperms, and D) 6 chapters on histology, bioencapsulation, protoplasts, cryopreservation, double staining and thin cell layer sectioning. The book provides stepwise protocols for somatic embryogenesis of a range of selected woody plants in order to assist researchers to initiate somatic embryogenic cultures without too much alterations in protocols. Each chapter provides information on initiation and maintenance of embryogenic cultures; somatic embryo development, maturation, and germination; acclimitization and field transfer of somatic seedlings. Some chapteres include applications of somatic embryogenesis cultures, e.g. protoplasts, encapsulation, cryopreservation, genetic transformation, genetic fidelity with molecular markers, and bioreactor.