Development of doubled haploid maize lines by using in vivo haploid technique

Abstract

The doubled haploid technology is now an integral component of modern maize breeding programs. In this study, the maternal haploid induction (gynogenesis) method was used to derive Doubled-Haploid (DH) lines from elite maize germplasm adapted to Turkey. Temperate haploid inducers (RWS, RWK-76, RWS x RWK-76 and WS14) were used as pollinators, and a set of 30 single-crossses (in FAO 650-700 maturity groups) were used as source materials. Putative haploid seeds were selected based on expression of R1-nj anthocyanin color marker. Highest haploid induction rate (20.42%) was recorded by using RWK-76 as inducer line, and the lowest haploid induction rate (17.75%) was obtained through WS14. Putative haploid seeds were germinated and seedlings were treated with 0.06% colchicine + 0.5% dimethylsulfoxide solution. Following transfer of seedlings into the field, 2178 D0 plants were obtained out of a total of 3012 treated haploids. Live plants were from 89% of 2178 seedlings which are planted to the field. Fertile plants were formed 57% of live plants. Inbreeding was succeeded in 31.23% of fertile plants and only 7.8% of inbreeding plants were able to produce seeds. Consequently, 27 doubled haploid lines were developed.