In vitro hybrid embryo rescue in mango (Mangifera indica L.) breeding

Controlled pollination between mango parental lines Alphonso x Kerala Dwarf was effected for incorporating the dwarfing character into cv. Alphonso for high-density orcharding. Rate of success in conventional breeding is very low.Therefore, the 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 three seasons (1999–2002) for embryo excision at 6–8 weeks post-pollination (wpp). Hybrid embryos were aseptically excised from immature ovules and inoculated in vitro onto half-strength semisolid MMS (Modified Murashige and Skoog medium) supplemented with casein hydrolysate (1.25 gl⁻¹) and sucrose (4.5% w/v). In-vitro raised plant lets with a well-developed root and shoot system were obtained and transferred ex vitro in about 12–14 weeks from culture to non-sterile conditions for initial hardening-off.