In vitro hybrid embryo rescue in mango (Mangifera indica L.) breeding.
Leela Sahijram, Bollamma K. T., Anitha Naren, Soneji J. R., Dinesh M. R., Halesh G. K.
Author Affiliation: Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore 560 089, India.
Indian Journal of Horticulture 62 : 235-237
Abstract : Controlled pollination between mango parental lines Alphonso × Kerala Dwarf was performed to incorporate the dwarfing character into Alphonso for high-density planting. Rate of success in conventional breeding is very low; therefore, tissue culture method of embryo rescue was applied. Mango is well-known for its recalcitrance to tissue culture. Immature fruits resulting from the above-stated intervarietal cross were harvested for 3 seasons (1999-2002), at Hessaraghatta, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, for embryo excision at 6-8 weeks post-pollination. Hybrid embryos were aseptically excised from immature ovules and inoculated in vitro onto half-strength semi-solid MMS (Modified Murashige and Skoog medium) supplemented with casein hydrolysate (1.25 g l-1) and sucrose (4.5% w/v). In vitro raised plantlets with a well-developed root and shoot system were obtained and transferred ex vitro in approximately 12-14 weeks from culture to non-sterile conditions for initial acclimatization.