Chromosome doubling and aneuploidy in anther-derived plants from two winter wheat lines

Abstract

Anther-derived, doubled haploid populations were obtained from two hard red winter wheats, 'Centurk' and NB88. Spontaneous doubling frequency, efficiency of colchicine treatment, and vernalization requirement were evaluated within each population. In cytological evaluation among the regenerates, haploids, diploids, haploid aneuploids, and diploid aneuploids were observed. Most regenerates were either haploid or diploid. The frequency of anthers producing at least one haploid, diploid, or aneuploid was the same for both genotypes. The regenerates from the same anther had the same ploidy level 83 % of the time, suggesting the callus was usually derived from one microspore. Over 60% of the anthers produced at least one diploid plant. The high frequency of spontaneous doubling suggests that chromosome doubling by colchicine treatment could be eliminated. Ninety-eight percent of the colchicine-treated 'Centurk' plants produced seed, while only 43% of the NB88 colchicine-treated plants produced seed. Anther culture did not replace the vernalization requirement. Vernalization was required for uniform flowering. Results indicate that it is feasible to use 'Centurk', NB88, and other genotypes with high callus induction, plantlet regeneration, and colchicine response to efficiently produce doubled haploids.Key words: wheat, Triticum aestivum L., anther culture, doubled haploid, chromosome doubling, aneuploidy, vernalization.