Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Control of Another Culture Response in Wheat: I. Analyses of Alloplasmic Lines

Abstract

These studies were initiated to obtain definitive evidence for the role of cytoplasm genetic variation in anther culture and to test for nuclear ✕ cytoplasmic gene interaction on the anther culture responses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Both cytoplasmic and nuclear genetic variations are potentially exploitable for practical purposes through recombination, breeding and selection. The roles of cytoplasmic and nuclear genetic factors in the control of anther culture responses were investigated by comparing the culture responses of alloplasmic lines in three spring wheat cultivars (Selkirk, Siete Cerros 66, and Penjamo 62) and their nucleus donors. Significant increases or decreases caused by alien cytoplasms were observed for callus induction, plant regeneration (albino and green plants), or green plant regeneration. In addition, significant nucleus ✕ cytoplasm genetic interactions were found for all three components of anther culture responses in two subsets of alloplasmic lines having common cytoplasms but different nuclear genotypes. Each of the components of anther culturability in wheat may be controlled independently by cytoplasmic and nuclear genes as well as by nucleus ✕ cytoplasm gene interactions.