Effect of ethylene inhibitor, type of auxin, and type of sugar on anther culture of local East Java aromatic rice varieties

Abstract

Breeding using the double haploid approach has been used in accelerating the rice breeding process. However, the main obstacle in the application of this technique in rice is the low level of callus formation and their regeneration into haploid plants. Based on these issues, this research is aimed at developing the best method for obtaining double haploid plants through anther culture using three kinds of aromatic rice of Indonesian local varieties. Anthers of Pendok, Genjah Arum, and Merah Wangi varieties were cultured in callus induction media which were either supplemented with different types of carbon sources, or auxins and ethylene inhibitors. However, the application of different sugar types did not significantly affect callus formation of Pendok and Genjah Arum. However, auxin treatment showed NAA to be more efficient for the callus induction of Pendok, while 2,4-D had no effect on callus induction in all tested varieties. The addition of ethylene inhibitor successfully induced callus formation of Merah Wangi varieties, while the rates of Pendok and Genjah Arum were not significantly affected. Callus of three plant lines were then regenerated into plantlet in regeneration media. Of the three callus varieties used, only Pendok could regenerate into plantlets and grow into adult haploid plants.