This book discusses basic andapplied aspects of somatic embryogenesis, one of the most powerful tools inplant biotechnology. It is divided into three parts; Part I includes topicssuch as the history of this research field, how differentiated plant cells can(re)acquire totipotency, molecular features, as well as the epigenetics andproteomics of somatic embryogenesis. Part II coversthe somatic embryogenesis of different crops, such as Agave spp. maize, Cocos nucifera, Bixa orellana,Capsicum spp., Coffea spp., Musa spp., Pinus spp., and Arabidopsis thaliana. Various applications, like scale-up propagationand genetic engineering are discussed in detail in Part III. The book will appealto plant scientists, plant breeders and experts working in industry.