Somatic embryos were multiplied by secondary embryogenesis in cotyledonary cultures of peach and nectarine (Prunus persica L.) using a simplified culture medium for immature seeds. A three-stage process with an initial callus phase was established in darkness on a medium containing basal salts (modified MS) supplemented with 2,4-D (5 mg/l), Kn (2 mg/l) and BAP (2 mg/l) and casein hydrolysate (500 mg/l). This was followed by a growth regulator-free medium with activated charcoal for the adventitious and direct multiplication of somatic embryos under continuous light. Somatic embryos (10-15) originated from the epidermal layer of primary somatic embryos of 4-6 mm size. The incidence of morphologically abnormal embryos was reduced by subculturing every 20 days. Calli which were isolated and grown on a 2,4-D medium were more embryogenic than those on NAA. These embryos multiplied continuously for more than 10 months by a repetitive somatic embryogenic process. A third stage medium, supplemented with BAP (2 mg/l), was required for axis elongation, germination and transfer to soil.