A two-step protocol has been developed for in vitro rooting of microsh
oots excised from plantlets obtained from nucellar somatic embryos of
Amrapali cultivar of mango, Role of auxins, their concentrations, trea
tment periods and culture illumination conditions for conferring compe
tence for rooting have been ascertained, Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) w
as found to be the most potent among three auxins (IBA, indoleacetic a
cid and a-naphthaleneacetic acid) tested for gaining competence for ef
ficient rooting and root growth. Maximum rooting (89.71%) was found on
auxin-free agar-gelled rooting medium after 24 h pulse treatment with
5.0 mg/l IBA in liquid root induction medium in dark, Dark condition
favoured root induction and root growth, whereas light incubation (16
h photoperiod with 60 mu E m(-2) s(-1) light intensity) was inhibitory
.