High frequency occurrence of soft endosperm mutantMacapunococonuts in Andaman Islands and their embryo culture

Abstract

A relatively high frequency occurrence of mutant soft endosperm coconuts called “Dahi nariyel” in the Andaman Ordinary Tall variety is reported. These coconut types are similar to the popular “macapuno” coconuts. Embryo culture is the only method to propagate such novel mutants. We generated few plantlets in Y3 media through embryo rescue. Germination of embryo commenced in a month's time and the seedlings got developed into a three leaf stage plantlet in about 9 months. The scope of these coconut types for the islands and local prosperity is presented.