Effects of Growth Regulators and Genotypes on Callus and Embryoid Induction from Maize Anther Culture *

Abstract

Fifty genotypes and ten growth-regulator combinations were used in two experiments (I and II) to investigate genotype and hormonal effects on production of callus and embryoids via anther culture in maize (Zea mays L.). Hormonal effects across all genotypes were not significant in either experiment. However, highest callus-induction frequencies in both experiments occurred on YP basal medium plus 2,4-D at 2.0 mg 1−1, and kinetin at 1.5 mg 1−1 indicating that this combination was more effective than others. Genotypic differences in callus or embryoid induction across all media were significant. The most responsive genotypes in experiment I were single-cross hybrids Yuanwu × 592 and K727 × K305, which produced 18.3 and 6.7 % calli, respectively, with their appropriate media. The most responsive entry in experiment II was CIMMYT Pool 29, which produced 15.0 % calli on appropriate medium and an average of 10.0 % calli across 10 media. Twenty-three plantlets was regenerated from this study. Most of them developed embryogenically.