Coconut Somatic Embryogenesis Technology (CSet)

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The CSet Program, a 5-year program funded by DOST-PCAARRD, aims to mass propagate coconut planting materials using plumular tissues of identified tall, dwarf and hybrid varieties through coconut somatic embryogenesis. This program adopted the enhanced PCA-CSet protocol in seven (7) partner tissue culture laboratories that were upgraded for the protocol.  These laboratories are located in the following institutions:  PCA-Albay Research Center (PCA-ARC), PCA-Zamboanga Research Center (PCA-ZRC), UP Los Baños (UPLB), UP Mindanao, Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF), and Visayas State University (VSU). PCA-ZRC, which maintains the coconut germplasm, serves as the source of plumules by providing the embryos of the different coconut varieties to the participating laboratories.

The most responsive varieties to CSet are the Tall varieties. Baybay Tall (BAYT), Laguna Tall (LAGT) and hybrid: Malayan Red Dwarf x Tagnanan Tall (MRDxTAGT) with the recorded in-vitro plantlets of around 200-300 per plumule on a staggered production within the cycle.

The production and availability of CSet-derived planting materials will augment the PCA Replanting Program in replacing the existing old and senile coconut trees, typhoon-damaged, and insect-infested palms of the country.