Parthenogenetic haploid plants using gamma irradiated pollen in snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. momordica)

Abstract

Anthers of snapmelon (Cucumis melo L. var. momordica) were irradiated with varied doses of gamma rays (150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 Gray). Then pollen from irradiated anthers was used for pollinating female flowers. Results revealed that 250 Gray of gamma-irradiation was successful in inducing parthenogenesis and fruit development, whereas, low (150 and 200 Gray) or high (300 and 350 Gray) irradiation doses were not effective in inducing haploid embryos. Embryos at a range of developmental stages were dissected from fruits harvested after 21 days of pollination and cultured on E20A medium. Among these embryos cultured, only cotyledonary embryos germinated into plantlets. Chromosome counting, performed on the roots of regenerated plants, showed the haploid level (n = 12). Ploidy analysis using flow cytometer, measurement of stomatal cells and counting of chloroplast in the guard cells also corroborated the haploid nature of regenerated plants.