A significant improvement in the initiation of embryogenic cultures of loblolly pine from immature seeds was achieved on Westvaco’s WV5 medium defined by Coke with the addition of 30 g/l sucrose, 3 mg/l 2,4-D, 0.5 mg/l BA, 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate, and 1.25 mg/l Gelrite™. Up to a threefold increase in embryogenic culture initiation was seen with WV5 medium over other published media. WV5 medium was also found suitable for embryo development. Shoot cultures of loblolly pine have also been established and micropropagated using Westvaco’s WV5 medium. Seedling shoots cultured on WV5 medium with 20 g/l sucrose, 5 g/l activated charcoal, and 8 g/l agar showed improved survival and shoot growth compared to that seen with other published media. Shoot quality was excellent and rooting response was good.