Direct effect of colchicine on the microspore embryogenesis to produce dihaploid plants in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

In the present experiment, different chromosome reduplication techniques were applied to microspore-originated Triticum aestivum L. (cv 'Ciano') haploids. In addition to the conventional treatment (whole plant exposure to colchicine solution), spontaneously redoubled haploids were also examined. As an experimental treatment, different concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.04%) of colchicine were added directly to the induction media. Colchicine did not affect the anther response or the plant regeneration capacity. The success and stability of genome redoubling was estimated on the basis of the fertility of the regenerated (R0) plants and their progeny (R1). Chromosome doubling produced by colchicine before the first microspore mitosis was significantly more efficient than the conventionally used techniques.