During 2002–2004, three laboratories in Canada and France collaborated to improve initiation of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), eastern white pine (P. strobus L.), maritime pine (P. pinaster Ait.), and Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.), giving particular attention to the effects of (1)-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU) versus various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and benzyladenine (BA), (2) differences in basal nutrient media, i.e., macro- and microelements, and (3) gelling agent concentration. The work was carried out separately at each laboratory, but the details of media compositions were shared and tested on their respective species. Results indicate that the developmental stage of the zygotic embryo (ZE) and genotype effects had a large influence on SE initiation, and that genetic effects were consistent over time. Different species responded differently to PGR types and concentration, basal nutrient media, trace elements, and their combinations. Currently, our best initiation rates based on a selected group of genotypes, optimal development stage of ZE, and medium are 3.9% for jack pine, 54.6% for eastern white pine, 76.2% for maritime pine, and 19.7% for Scots pine.