Cytological aspects of in vitro androgenesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using fluorescent microscopy

Abstract

Two winter wheat genotypes (‘Dioszegi 200’ and ‘Mv 15’) were compared for their in vitro androgenic capacity. On average, the induction frequency of embryogenic structures was 71.7% in ‘Dioszegi 200’ and only 4.3% in ‘Mv 15’. The haploid induction ability of the two genotypes differed considerably, with ‘Dioszegi 200’ being much higher. The difference in the in vitro inductability of the microspores may result from genetic differences which are manifested in the survival rate of the microspores during the culture period and their adaptability to in vitro conditions. Special DNA fluorochrornes were suitable for studying the different pathways of in vitro androgenesis. Our data indicate that the repeated equal divisions of the microspore nucleus might lead to pollen embryo formation, and subsequent divisions of the vegetative portion of the pollen grain after the first asymmetric microspore mitosis can result in pollen callus formation.