Induction of embryogenesis without exogenous hormone-supplement in barley microspore culture (Short communication)

Abstract

Induction of embryogenesis without exogenous hormone-supplement has been reported in isolated microspore cultures of wheat and triticale so far. Here we report about haploid embryogenesis and plant regeneration without exogenous hormone-supply in isolated microspore cultures of barley. In both induction media and both genotypes (‘Igri’ and ‘Kymppi’) applied, however, induction media containing 1 mg/1 BAP lead to haploid embryoids of higher regeneration capacity than media without hormone-supplement. Highest rate of green plant regeneration (353 green plants/100, 000 microspores) was achieved in cultivar ‘Igri’ using a medium of optimized N-composition, supplemented with BAP. These results suggest that the induction of haploid embryogenesis is possible without exogenous hormone-supplement, while high level of plant regeneration requires the stimuli provided by hormones/growth regulators added to the induction medium.