Anther Culture of an Interspecific Hybrid of Capsicum

Abstract

Anther culture of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was evaluated in order to assess its usefulness for genetic studies. Previously reported methods resulted in adequate frequencies of responding anthers and embryo production from responding anthers (approximately 40 %) using the variety Emerald Giant. Application of these methods to an interspecific hybrid between Emerald Giant and C chinense Jacq. did not result in plantlet production. Using identical anther initiation methods, plantlets were produced from cultured anthers of the interspecific hybrid when cultured in a liquid medium overlaying a solid medium supplemented with 2.0 % charcoal. Initiated anthers were floated on the liquid medium and embryos developed from microspores below the liquid surface on the charcoal medium. These embryos, when transferred to fresh culture medium without charcoal, developed into haploid and diploid plantlets. Diploid plants were of microspore origin as evidenced by homozygosity at enzyme loci that were heterozygous in the F1 hybrid anther donor plants.