Monosomic analysis of tissue culture response in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The ability of immature embryos of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to respond in cell culture was examined in crosses between the 'Wichita' monosomic series and a highly regenerable line, 'ND7532'. Segregation in disomic controls and 13 monosomic families showed a good fit to a monogenic ratio indicating a qualitative mode of inheritance. Segregation in the cross involving monosomic 2D showed a high frequency of regeneration (93.6%) and high callus growth rate (1.87 g/90 days) indicating that 2D is a critical chromosome. Modifying genes may be located on other chromosomes. Substitution of chromosomes from a low regenerable cultivar 'Vona' further indicated that the group 2 chromosomes, in particular chromosome 2D, possess genetic factors promoting callus growth and regeneration.