Embryo culture is employed in

Options

A. Clonal propagation
B. Induction of somachonal variations
C. Overcoming hybridization barriers
D. Developing virus free plants

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Embryo Culture:**
- Embryo culture is a technique used in plant biotechnology where embryos are removed from seeds and cultured in a nutrient medium to promote their growth and development.

2. **Identifying Applications of Embryo Culture:**
- The primary applications of embryo culture include:
- Clonal propagation (micropropagation)
- Overcoming hybridization barriers
- Induction of soma-clonal variation
- Developing virus-free plants

3. **Analyzing Each Application:**
- **Clonal Propagation:** This involves producing identical copies (clones) of a plant. However, this process does not specifically require embryo culture, as it can be achieved through other methods.
- **Soma-clonal Variation:** This refers to variations that can occur among clones. While interesting, it is not directly related to embryo culture.
- **Developing Virus-Free Plants:** This typically involves using meristematic tissues, which are not directly related to embryo culture.

4. **Focusing on Overcoming Hybridization Barriers:**
- Hybridization barriers occur when two different species are crossed, and the resulting zygote or embryo is weak or non-viable.
- Embryo culture helps in rescuing these weak embryos by providing them with optimal conditions in a lab setting, allowing them to develop into healthy plants.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the analysis, the correct application of embryo culture is in overcoming hybridization barriers.

**Final Answer:**
Embryo culture is employed in overcoming hybridization barriers.

---