RESUMEN
Cryopreservation of embryogenic cultures induced from leaves of mature phase trees of Litchi chinensis Sonn. was performed following a vitrification method. Vitrification solution (PVS2) was utilized at two temperatures: 0 degree C and 25 degree C. Post-treatment survival percentages and regrowth rates of the cultures were higher when the PVS2 solution was at 0 degree C. All samples cryopreserved with PVS2 at 0 degree C survived; their regrowth rate after eight weeks on semi-solid maintenance medium was the same as non-treated controls. Cryopreservation suppressed somatic embryo development; the number of somatic embryos derived from cryopreserved cultures was less than the number obtained from the controls. Desiccation during the PVS2 treatment had no effect on reversal of hyperhydric embryogenic cultures.