On the genetic improvement of androgenetic haploid formation in Hordeum vulgare L.

Anthers of 55 different spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) hybrids and four varieties were cultured in vitro. Microspores of each hybrid gave rise to calluses and subsequently plantlets, from all hybrids, except one. As criteria of microspore responsiveness, callus formation and plant regeneration frequencies were studied in detail. Large differences with regard to these criteria were found, which were traced back to the genotype of the anther donor plant. Callus formation varied between 3.3 and 73.2 per 1,000 anthers plated, whereas green plant regeneration ranged from 0 to 12.7 per 1,000 anthers cultured.Comparisons of microspore regeneration frequencies of hybrids and their parents indicated that culture responsiveness is a heritable, complex character involving at least two different and separately inherited mechanisms: 1) the ability of microspores within anthers to divide and give rise to calluses and subsequently 2) the ability of calluses for morphogenesis, to yield green or albino plants. Because it is heritable, anther culture responsiveness can be transferred to breeding material which is initially non-responsive. This genetic way of improving success in androgenetic haploid production appears to be more realistic than the search for optimum culture conditions.