Enhancement of a new method in cereal breeding programmes

Abstract

Homozygous doubled haploid (DH) plants and lines can be used in cereal breeding programmes. Methods
based on androgenesis induction are a common way to produce homogenous basic material for variety
development and genetic research purposes. Anther culture is a simple and rapid method for DH production
in case of major cereal crops like barley and wheat. Oat is known as recalcitrant species for tissue culture
response specially anther and microspore culture. Its low frequency DH production limits extensive
application in breeding. Our aim was to start developing an improved protocol to generate acceptable number
of DH lines for breeding. Many factors (low induction rate, essential manpower needed, plant regeneration
problems and genotype dependence) hinder the development and application of the methods of in vitro
androgenesis. Understanding of topic “in vitro response” and “plantlet regeneration frequency” are crucial
factors in cereal science, too. Our aimed results of oat (Avena sativa L.) will open new genetic solutions in
plant science, plant physiology and cell- and tissue culture of cereals and in the development of new
varieties.