Formation of simply organized embryo-like structures originating in culture from somatic cells either spontaneously or through growth regulators is called somatic embryogenesis. This is a versatile technique used for micropropagation and when somatic embryos are coated appropriately they form artificial seeds. These may be sown in the field directly and this technique increases germination of hybrid embryos. It is possible to generate artificial seeds of maize, carrot, alfalfa, and cotton among many others. Somatic embryo cultures may be stored for a longer duration through cryopreservation. In India some Brassica species are conserved by embryo rescue. Somatic embryogenesis has been induced in medicinal plants such as Atropa belladonna, Brassica oleraceae, Carica papaya, Citrus sinensis, Nicotiana tabacum, and Saccharum officinale.