In vivo haploid induction in maize.

Two haploid-inducing lines, MHI and M741H, were used for the production of maternal haploids. Haploids were obtained from all maternal genotypes involved in the experiment, including dent, flint and flintxdent maize. The maternal genotype had a significant influence on the frequency of haploids obtained. The frequency ranged from 2.7% to 8.0%. For chromosome-doubling seedlings were treated with colchicine solution, and 49.4% of the haploid plants produced fertile pollen, 39.0% could be selfed and 27.3% produced seeds after selfing. Synthetic populations, improved by haploid sib recurrent selection, were tested in a field trial. The results show that the utilization of maternal haploid plants has great potential for maize breeding and maize genetics.