Germplasm reestablishment and seedling production: Embryo culture

Abstract

This chapter discusses coconut embryo culture (EC) including the morphology and physiology of the zygotic coconut embryo, culture types and growth conditions, applications such as the use of the EC technique for the collection of germplasm from isolated/distant areas, conservation (cryopreservation) and the dissemination of elite germplasm, and as a starting point for clonal propagation (via somatic embryogenesis). The technique is most commonly recognized for its application to coconut types that generally don’t germinate in vivo. As EC is the foundation tissue culture method for cloning, propagation, conservation, and transformation of coconut, the technique has been widely documented. However, the method is generally underused, and protocols have room for improvement. Key enhancements needed are method optimizations to ensure high survival rates for a wide range of genotypes, in a variety of laboratories. Losses can be high during acclimatization and transfer to field conditions.