In vitro retrieval via embryo rescue of ‘Mohachao Narel’, a sweet endosperm coconut from Maharashtra

Mohachao Narel is a variant in coconut with sweet and soft endosperm found in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India. Embryos from sweet endosperm type nuts were found to be tiny and elongated and does not not germinate naturally necessitating the embryo rescue technique as a sole method of propagation. Efforts were made to raise tiny slender embryos of Mohachao Narel type, which lack vigour and natural germination, in vitro. Embryos were cultured in Eeuwen's Y3 medium supplemented with 60 g/l of sucrose and subsequently transferred to medium containing lower concentration of sucrose. Additives such as thidiazuron and glutamine were included to improve the vigour of the plantlets. Germination percentage varied in the embryos from Mohachao Narel type, with a highest germination percentage of 50% recorded in the third collection. The plantlets resulted through in vitro cultured could be successfully planted in the field.