In-vitro somatic embryogenesis from the nucellus of mango.
Litz R. E., Vijayakumar N.
Author Affiliation: Tropical Research and Education Centre, University of Florida, IFAS, Homestead, FL 33031, USA.
: 473-475
Abstract : The nucellus from fruitlets of polyembryonic mango cultivars was removed about 1.5 months after flowering, and cultured on half-strength MS medium containing 60 g/litre sucrose and 20% coconut water. Somatic embryogenesis occurred, and the embryos matured and germinated on the same medium. If the nucellus was cultured on medium containing 1-2 mg/litre 2,4-D, much dark brown callus was produced, and when the callus was sub-cultured on medium that was free of 2,4-D somatic embryogenesis occurred. The procedure developed for somatic embryogenesis of mono-embryonic cultivars was similar, although it was imperative to prevent contamination by the zygote. Florida's most important mango cultivar, Tommy Atkins, responded well to this procedure, unlike many other mono-embryonic cultivars. The use of somatic embryogenesis in breeding for disease resistance is discussed.