The anther-culture response of triticale line x tester progenies.

Seven triticale cultivars (Ampiac, Aubrac, Trinidad, Ticino, Lamberto, Pronto and Prado) and their F1 hybrids obtained after crossing in a line x tester scheme were examined with respect to their androgenetic effectiveness. The embryo induction rate (number of embryos per 100 anthers), green plant regeneration rate (number of green plantlets per 100 embryos), plant yield (number of green and albino plantlets per 100 anthers) and green plant yield (number of green plantlets per 100 anthers) were assessed. The multivariate and univariate effects of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities for the studied traits were estimated and tested. Significant differences between the genotypes were found for individual traits as well as for all the traits treated jointly. Hybrids generally showed a better response in anther culture than their parental genotypes. Heterosis effects were observed in some hybrids for embryo induction rate and green plant yield. GCA and SCA variances were significant and a dominance of the GCA over the SCA variation was found. Among the examined cultivars, Ticino and Pronto were characterised by positive and significant GCA for embryo induction and green plant yield, and these cultivars may be recommended for the improvement of anther culture responsiveness in triticale.