Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in mango (Mangifera indica L.)

The 'Carabao' or 'Manila Super' mango (Mangifera indica L.), a virtually neglected fruit before the advent of KNO3 flower induction in the early 1970s, is now the third leading Philippine export fruit after banana and pineapple. To apply biotechnology for improvement, a reliable embryogenesis and regeneration protocol is required. We have developed a protocol for somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in mango: eight strains of 'Carabao' and two unidentified varieties, PHL 12384 and PHL 12378. Over 40 batches of nucellar explants from immature fruits (0.75-5.0 cm long) were cultured in vitro from April 1999 to April 2000. Two media were used, MMSE, Mango Medium for Somatic Embryo Induction, Proliferation and Germination and MMPR, Mango Medium for Plantlet Regeneration. These are now routinely used. The protocol is reproducible in 14 other varieties of mango. Shifting the base medium from Gamborg's B5 medium to our own formulation, BP medium (Barba and Patena's formulation) effectively controlled browning. Browning has limited the successful in vitro culture of many woody species including the mango.