Microspore-derived Embryos Research Articles

Plant embryogenesis requires AUX/LAX-mediated auxin influx.

The plant hormone auxin and its directional transport are known to play a crucial role in defining the embryonic axis and subsequent development of the body plan. Although the role of PIN auxin efflux transporters has been clearly assigned during embryonic shoot and root specification, the role of the auxin influx carriers AUX1 and LIKE-AUX1 (LAX) proteins is not well established. Here, we used chemical and genetic tools on Brassica napus microspore-derived embryos and Arabidopsis thaliana zygotic embryos, and demonstrate that AUX1, LAX1 and LAX2 are required for both shoot and root pole formation, in concert with PIN efflux carriers. Furthermore, we uncovered a positive-feedback loop between MONOPTEROS (ARF5)-dependent auxin signalling and auxin transport. This MONOPTEROS-dependent transcriptional regulation of auxin influx (AUX1, LAX1 and LAX2) and auxin efflux (PIN1 and PIN4) carriers by MONOPTEROS helps to maintain proper auxin transport to the root tip. These results indicate that auxin-dependent cell specification during embryo development requires balanced auxin transport involving both influx and efflux mechanisms, and that this transport is maintained by a positive transcriptional feedback on auxin signalling.

Non-destructive in vitro selection of microspore-derived embryos with the fertility restorer gene for CMS Ogu-INRA in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

article i nfo Article history: Received 16 June 2014 Accepted 29 September 2014 Available online xxxx Background:Microsporeembryogenesis and cytoplasmic male sterilitysystem(CMS)are twoapproacheswidely exploited in Brassica napus breeding for production of homozygous doubled haploid (DH) lines and F1 hybrids respectively. Cytoplasmic male sterility system (CMS) is one of the most important pollination systems for hybrid seed production and utilisation of doubled haploid system to quickly prepare fully homozygous fertility restorer lines for CMS Ogu-INRA is very beneficial. Generally, only a small part of microspore-derived embryos is used for plant regeneration, without any knowledge about their properties. Therefore, the possibility of early detection of desirable genotypes bearing a single dominant nuclear fertility restorer (Rfo) gene, can double the success of selection and reduce the production costs. Results: To maximize the efficiency and yield of regenerated microspore-derived embryos (MDEs) with the Rfo gene, a protocol for reliable and early, non-destructive selection of desired MDE genotypes was developed. The total amount of 636 cotyledonary embryos was tested by PCR, out of which 37% (237/636) were shown to bear the Rfo gene (instead of 50% according to the expected 1:1 segregation ratio for a single copy gene) and 218 of these fertility restorer plants were fully grown to flowering stage. New molecular marker has been demonstrated to have 100% of co-segregation with the phenotypic evaluation. Conclusion: Technique developed in this study provides early and non-destructive sampling of embryonic tissue and the use of new markers for simple and efficient control of the presence of Rfo gene in all accessions.

Improved Efficiency of Microspore Culture of <i>Brassica campestris</i> Ssp. <i>pekinensis</i> (Chinese Cabbage)

[Objective](1) to investigate the factors that influence microspore embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration;(2) to discuss some protocols for the induction culture of microspore-derived embryos and for rooting and transplantation of microspore-derived plantlets. [Proposed Methods] B. campestris ssp. pekinensis ‘Futian 50’ and B. campestris ssp. pekinensis ‘Changkuai’ were used as the experimental materials, then their microspores were cultured in NLN media. [Results] NAA and 2,4-D inhibits the formation of microspore-derived embryos. Low concentrations of cytokinins facilitate embryogenesis, while high concentrations inhibit embryogenesis.The combined effects of auxin and cytokinin are synergistic. However, AC inhibits embryo development. [Conclusion] The better the development of the embryos, the higher is the plantlet regeneration rate. The plant regeneration rate increased significantly on the MS culture medium supplemented with 200 mg·l-1 AC. MS medium containing 0.1 mg·l-1 NAA is the optimal medium for rooting of microspore-derived plantlets.

배추 유전자원의 소포자 유래 배 발생 효율에 미치는 배양 조건 구명

다양한 형태적 특징을 가진 배추 유전자원의 소포자 배양을 통한 고정계통의 육성 및 효율적인 소포자 배 발생조건을 확립시키기 위하여 50종의 배추 유전자원을 대상으로 소포자 배양을 실시하여 30종에서 반수체배의 생산이 확인되었다. 소포자 배 발생률은 순무형인 IT135449에서 가장 높았고 일부 유지작물형(winter oil)에서는 배 발생이 관찰되지 않았다. 소포자 배양을 통한 다양한 배추 유전자원의 배 발생 효율의 증대를 위하여 유전자원 4종(IT135449, IT199710, IT212886, IT218043)을 대상으로 고온처리 기간에 따른 소포자 배 발생 효율을 확인한 결과, 3종에서는 <TEX>$32^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 2일간 고온처리 할 경우 배 발생률이 가장 높았고 summer oil형 IT218043에서는 3일간 처리할 경우 가장 높은 배 발생률이 관찰되었다. 또한 소포자배의 식물체 재분화에 영향을 미치는 식물 생장조절제의 농도를 조사한 결과, 결구배추형인 IT199710에서는 NAA <TEX>$0.5mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX>과 BAP <TEX>$1mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX>를 첨가한 처리구에서 가장 높은 재분화율이 관찰되었으나 순무형인 IT135449와 청경채형 IT212886에서는 생장조절제 무처리구에서 가장 높은 재분화율이 관찰되었다. 소포자 배 유래 재분화 식물체들을 대상으로 배수성 검증을 실시한 결과 종자를 형성한 모든 식물이 자연배가를 통한 이배체 식물임이 확인되었다. 본 실험의 결과는 다양한 배추 유전자원의 소포자 배양효율 증진을 위해 이용될 수 있을 뿐 아니라 획득한 고정 계통은 이후 배추의 육종 및 유전자 기능 연구의 소재로 활용될 수 있을 것이다. Total of fifty accessions of Brassica rapa with various morphological characteristics were used for production of double haploid plants though microspore culture in Brassica rapa. Among them, only 30 accessions induced embryos from microspores. The highest efficiency of embryo induction of 1.194 per bud was obtained from IT135449 of turnip type, while 3 accessions of sarson (winter oil) type did not generate embryo. The effect of heat shock periods for embryogenesis was also investigated with 4 accessions (IT135449; Turnip type, IT199710; Chinese cabbage type, IT212886; Pak choi type, IT218043; Summer oil type). The high productions of embryos were observed in IT135449, IT199710 and IT212886 when microspores were pre-cultured to <TEX>$32^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 2 days. In IT218043, high embryogenesis was observed at the 3 days of heat shock treatment. The optimal condition of shoot regeneration for IT199710 was observed in MS medium supplemented with NAA <TEX>$0.5mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX> and BAP <TEX>$1mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX>. In contrast, the IT135449 and IT212886 were observed high regeneration frequency in MS medium without plant growth regulators. All the plantlets regenerated from microspore-derived embryos have been successfully transplanted to soil, and bud self-pollinated seeds were produced from doubled haploid plants. This indicated that double-haploid genotype was likely generated naturally during embryogenesis process.

Induction and development of microspore-derived embryos in broccoli × white-headed cabbage hybrids microspore culture

Androgenesis is an efficient method of producing doubled haploids (DHs) in plant breeding programs. DH plants derived from the F1 (broccoli × white-headed cabbage) are valuable for accelerating the transfer of excellent genes and increasing biodiversity of species via isolated microspore culture (IMC). Therefore, this study investigated the developmental process of embryogenesis and studied the conditions needed for effective induction of embryogenesis in IMC of broccoli × white-headed cabbage hybrids. The results indicated that the B pathway was the predominant route of androgenic induction in broccoli × white-headed cabbage, which was recognized as a principal route in the formation of haploid embryos. In addition, small amounts of the A–G, A–VG and C pathways were observed. Based on this observation, cold pretreatment (4 °C) and mannitol in a B5 washing medium was tested to determine whether and how they could improve embryogenesis in IMC. Cold pretreatment enhanced microspore embryogenesis by increasing the symmetric division of cells. Similarly, mannitol had a positive effect on the number of embryos produced by affecting the number of microspores that reached the multinucleate stage. The combination of cold pretreatment (4 °C) for 1 day and 0.4 M mannitol had a synergistic effect on microspore development. Moreover, the combined treatment resulted in a higher frequency of plant regeneration and diploid frequency in the regenerated population. This report helps to elucidate in vitro embryo development in seeds plants and IMC systems by providing insight into some similarities and differences between Brassica species.

Production of rapeseed mutant lines by microspore-derived embryo culture

Production of rapeseed mutant lines by microspore-derived embryo culture

English

We selected two cultivars of Brassica campestris ssp. pekinensis (Chinese cabbage), &lsquo;Futian 50&rsquo; and &lsquo;Changkuai,&rsquo; to investigate the factors that influence microspore embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration. We have also discussed some protocols for the induction culture of microspore-derived embryos and for rooting and transplantation of microspore-derived plantlets. We obtained the following findings in our study. Although NAA promotes the development of embryo and reduces the percentage of abnormal embryos, it inhibits the formation of microspore-derived embryos. 2,4-D also inhibits the formation of microspore-derived embryos. Low concentrations of cytokinins facilitate embryogenesis, while high concentrations inhibit embryogenesis; BA has a stronger influence than zeatin (Z) on embryo induction. The combined effects of auxin and cytokinin are synergistic. Organic compounds increase the rate of formation of microspore-derived embryos. However, activated charcoal (AC) inhibits embryo development. The better the development of the embryos, the higher is the plantlet regeneration rate. The plant regeneration rate increased significantly on the MS culture medium supplemented with 200 mg&middot;L-1 AC. The MS medium s suitable for the subculture of the regenerated plantlets. MS medium containing 0.1 mg&middot;L-1 NAA is the optimal medium for rooting of microspore-derived plantlets. &nbsp; Key words: Chinese cabbage, microspore culture, embryogenesis, plant regeneration.

High-purity Seed Production of Doubled Haploid Chinese Cabbage [Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis (Lour.)] Through Microspore Culture

The purpose of this study was to produce doubled haploid red color heading type Chinese cabbage using isolated microspore culture. Genotypic differences in embryogenic response and regenerative ability of microspore-derived embryos to plants were observed. A high rate of plant regeneration from microspore-derived embryos was achieved by an improved protocol involving replacement of culture media and adjustment of heat shock temperature. More than 60% of regenerated plants were spontaneous doubled haploids. Haploids were characterized by short and malformed stamen and few viable pollen grains as compared to spontaneous doubled haploids and dihaploids. The seeds harvested from the 142 spontaneous doubled haploid plants were designated as H1; 25 seeds in each population was grown and characterized. The H1 generation has been shown to display considerable phenotypic variation and high purity. These spontaneous doubled haploids may be directly exploited as new varieties in a red colored Chinese cabbage breeding program.

Plasticity in Cell Division Patterns and Auxin Transport Dependency during in Vitro Embryogenesis in Brassica napus.

In Arabidopsis thaliana, zygotic embryo divisions are highly regular, but it is not clear how embryo patterning is established in species or culture systems with irregular cell divisions. We investigated this using the Brassica napus microspore embryogenesis system, where the male gametophyte is reprogrammed in vitro to form haploid embryos in the absence of exogenous growth regulators. Microspore embryos are formed via two pathways: a zygotic-like pathway, characterized by initial suspensor formation followed by embryo proper formation from the distal cell of the suspensor, and a pathway characterized by initially unorganized embryos lacking a suspensor. Using embryo fate and auxin markers, we show that the zygotic-like pathway requires polar auxin transport for embryo proper specification from the suspensor, while the suspensorless pathway is polar auxin transport independent and marked by an initial auxin maximum, suggesting early embryo proper establishment in the absence of a basal suspensor. Polarity establishment in this suspensorless pathway was triggered and guided by rupture of the pollen exine. Irregular division patterns did not affect cell fate establishment in either pathway. These results confirm the importance of the suspensor and suspensor-driven auxin transport in patterning, but also uncover a mechanism where cell patterning is less regular and independent of auxin transport.

Microspore-derived Embryo Formation and Morphological Changes during the Isolated Microspore Culture of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Raphanus sativus L. cv. Taebaek, a efficiently microspore-derived embryo (MDE)-forming cultivar, and ‘Chungwoon’, a non-MDE-forming cultivar were selected as donor plants for isolated microspore culture. Radish flower bud of 2.0 (small, S), 4.0 (medium, M), and 6.0 (large, L) ± 0.5 ㎜ in length were isolated to determine the temporal relationship between flower bud size and MED yield. Anatomical observations revealed no difference in the structure of the flower buds between the two cultivars. In both cultivars, the stigmas were much longer than the floral leaf in M-sized flower buds. The MDE yields for ‘Taebaek’ per petri dish were 6.6 and 1.3 for M- and L-sized of flower buds, respectively, but MDE formation was not induced in the S flower buds. On the other hand, ‘Chungwoon’ failed to form MDEs in all flower buds. The microspore density of ‘Taebaek’ was 1.3 times more than that of ‘Chungwoon’ for M sized flower buds. Of the M-sized buds from ‘Taebaek’ and ‘Chungwoon’, 92.1 and 81.6%, respectively, were in the late uninucleate microspore stage, which is characterized by the highest frequency of MDE formation. Anatomical observations of MDE formation revealed that the microspores were able to divide to form a primordium from which cell division took place continuously in the ‘Teabeak’ cultivar. However, the microspores of ‘Chungwoon’ failed to progress beyond the primodium stage, resulting in lack of MDE formation. By contrast, after the formation of the primordium, various developmental stages of embyos from microspore were observed in the ‘Taebaek’ cultivar. These results can be used to determine MDE forming potentials of radish cultivars.

Improved microspore embryogenesis induction and plantlet regeneration using putrescine, cefotaxime and vancomycin in Brassica napus L.

The effects of three periods of exposure (12, 24 and 48 h) to different levels of putrescine (0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg l−1), as well as three incubation periods (24, 48 and 72 h) to different levels of cefotaxime and vancomycin (0, 50, 100, 200 and 500 mg l−1) on microspore embryogenesis of rapeseed cv. ‘Hyola 401’ were assessed. Microspore embryogenesis was enhanced about threefold compared with untreated culture following 48 h treatment with 0.2 mg l−1 putrescine. Putrescine treatment at 0.5 mg l−1 for 48 h effectively induced root formation and increased normal plantlet regeneration by 92 % when microspore-derived embryos (MDEs) were transferred to regeneration medium. The highest embryo yield (184.2 embryos Petri dish−1) was possible when induction medium was supplemented with 50 mg l−1 cefotaxime for 24 h and the highest normal regeneration was observed in cultures exposed to 50 and 100 mg l−1 at all durations tested. More abnormal MDEs (76 and 82 %) were observed when microspores treated with 200 and 500 mg l−1 cefotaxime many of which failed to regenerate normally and resulted in callusing. Vancomycin at 100 mg l−1 during the 48 h exposure increased the number of MDEs (181.6 embryos Petri dish−1) in contrast to untreated cultures (93.6 embryos Petri dish−1) but, normal plantlet regeneration decreased as vancomycin level increased and high callusing (84 and 90 %) was observed with 200 and 500 mg l−1 for 72 h. Microspore embryogenesis and plant regeneration could be improved by putrescine, cefotaxime and vancomycin when appropriate levels and durations of incubation were selected.

Initiation and development of microspore embryogenesis and plant regeneration of Brassica nigra

Brassica nigra is generally regarded as a recalcitrant species for microspore culture among Brassica crops. Conditions for reliable induction of microspore embryogenesis of B. nigra were studied in this context. Flower bud length and microspore developmental stage were correlated with further embryogenesis. The optimal bud size range was 2.0–2.5 mm for the highest proportion of totipotent, late uninucleate microspore and the highest frequency of microspore embryogenesis. Treatment of a short heat shock by incubating the microspore culture at 32°C for 24 h was suitable for the microspore survival, sustained cell divisions, and further induced embryogenesis. Subsequently, the use of NLN medium with the addition of 13% sucrose and 0.1% activated charcoal (AC) provided the optimal conditions for the development of microspore-derived embryos (MDEs). The early cotyledonary (EC) stage embryos cultured on MS medium fortified with 4.6 μM zeatin (ZT) and 0.12 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) resulted in the most efficient rates of plantlet regeneration. The ploidy levels of regenerated plants of B. nigra were determined by flow cytometry, revealing that 50.6% were diploid. The results enable the advancement of breeding programs and genetic studies in B. nigra.

The influence of heat stress on auxin distribution in transgenic B. napus microspores and microspore-derived embryos

Plant embryogenesis is regulated by differential distribution of the plant hormone auxin. However, the cells establishing these gradients during microspore embryogenesis remain to be identified. For the first time, we describe, using the DR5 or DR5rev reporter gene systems, the GFP- and GUS-based auxin biosensors to monitor auxin during Brassica napus androgenesis at cellular resolution in the initial stages. Our study provides evidence that the distribution of auxin changes during embryo development and depends on the temperature-inducible in vitro culture conditions. For this, microspores (mcs) were induced to embryogenesis by heat treatment and then subjected to genetic modification via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The duration of high temperature treatment had a significant influence on auxin distribution in isolated and in vitro-cultured microspores and on microspore-derived embryo development. In the “mild” heat-treated (1 day at 32 °C) mcs, auxin localized in a polar way already at the uni-nucleate microspore, which was critical for the initiation of embryos with suspensor-like structure. Assuming a mean mcs radius of 20 μm, endogenous auxin content in a single cell corresponded to concentration of 1.01 μM. In mcs subjected to a prolonged heat (5 days at 32 °C), although auxin concentration increased dozen times, auxin polarization was set up at a few-celled pro-embryos without suspensor. Those embryos were enclosed in the outer wall called the exine. The exine rupture was accompanied by the auxin gradient polarization. Relative quantitative estimation of auxin, using time-lapse imaging, revealed that primordia possess up to 1.3-fold higher amounts than those found in the root apices of transgenic MDEs in the presence of exogenous auxin. Our results show, for the first time, which concentration of endogenous auxin coincides with the first cell division and how the high temperature interplays with auxin, by what affects delay early establishing microspore polarity. Moreover, we present how the local auxin accumulation demonstrates the apical–basal axis formation of the androgenic embryo and directs the axiality of the adult haploid plant.

Efficient induction of microspore embryogenesis using abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid in Brassica napus L

The stress hormones abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) play an important role in the regulation of physiological processes and are often used in tissue culture to promote somatic embryogenesis and to enhance the quality of somatic embryos. Despite many studies on Brassica napus microspore culture, the effects of stress hormones (ABA, JA and SA) on microspore embryogenesis are not well explored. In this study, the effects of three incubation periods (6, 12 and 24 h) at different levels of ABA, JA and SA (0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg l−1) on microspore embryogenesis of rapeseed (B. napus L.) cv. ‘Regent’ were investigated. ABA (0.5 mg l−1 for 12 h) enhanced microspore embryogenesis by about threefold compared with untreated cultures and increased normal plantlet regeneration by 68 %. ABA treatment also effectively reduced secondary embryo formation at all concentrations tested but enhanced callusing at high levels, for example 67 % at 1.0 mg l−1 for 24 h. Highest embryo yield (286.0 embryos Petri dish−1) was achieved using 1.0 mg l−1 JA for 24 h and highest normal plantlet regeneration (54 %) was observed in cultures exposed to 0.5 mg l−1 JA for 12 h. JA (5.0 mg l−1 for 24 h) also reduced the germination of microspore-derived embryos on regeneration medium by 21 %. SA at 0.2 and 0.5 mg l−1 for 6 h increased microspore embryogenesis (184.0 and 193.4 embryos Petri dish−1) relative to the control (136.2 embryos Petri dish−1). However, SA did not improve normal regeneration, secondary embryo formation or callusing. Microspore embryogenesis and plant regeneration could be improved by ABA, JA as well as SA when the appropriate level and duration of incubation were selected.

The Influence of pH on Microspore Embryogenesis of White Cabbage (&lt;i&gt;Brassica oleracea&lt;/i&gt; L.)

In vitro microspore culture is one of the top techniques utilised now-a-days for the obtaining of double haploid plants in many plant species, including Brassica. The pH of the medium is a critical factor for the success of In vitro microspore culture as it influences the invertase enzyme activity, translated at cellular level through an acceleration or reduction of sucrose cleavage. The results published until now shows rather contradictory findings, as the response of microspores have been proved to be highly depending on genotypes, most of them being focused on Brassica napus. Thus, in the present study, the effect of different NLN liquid medium pH, ranging between 5.0 to 7.0 were tested in order to establish the most suitable pH for the expression of embryogenic competences of microspores cultivated on medium In vitro and ultimately for the obtaining of microspore-derived embryos. Among the 11 values of pH tested, the best results were obtained on variants with pH 5.8 and 6.0, both in what concern the maintaining of microspores viability and the number of microspore-derived embryos. The findings of the present study provide a strong base for the establishment of an efficient protocol for the In vitro culture of microspore at Brassica oleracea L. genotypes with Romanian origin.

Changes in gene expression patterns associated with microspore embryogenesis in hexaploid triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.)

To gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling microspore embryogenesis (ME) in triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.), the expression patterns of 13 genes, previously identified in bread wheat to be associated with microspore-derived embryo development, were analysed. Four triticale doubled haploid (DH) lines, significantly different with respect to embryogenic potential, were studied. The gene expression profile was dissected at different points of the ME induction procedure up to the 8th day of in vitro culture (dc). RT-PCR revealed that these 13 genes were expressed during triticale ME. Variations in gene expression profiles were observed between the studied DH lines. DH28 (highly embryogenic) was the only one in which all analysed genes (Ta.TPD1-like, TAA1b, GSTF2, GSTA2, CHI3, Tad1, XIP-R1, TaAGL14, TaNF-YA7, SERK2, SERK1, TaEXPB4, TaME1) were up-regulated during the first 8dc. In the less embryogenic DH31, TAA1b, GSTA2 and TaEXPB4 were already induced on 4dc. In DH25, ME was initiated quite efficiently but soon inhibited, which coincided with the lack of gene expression (TaEXPB4, TaME1) or down-regulation (Tad1, XIP-R1, TaAGL14, TaNF-YA, SERK2, SERK1) on 8dc. In the recalcitrant DH50 line, the majority of genes were expressed at a lower level or not at all, indicating disturbances in ME initiation. In this study, the molecular mechanisms involved in triticale ME induction were analysed for the first time, laying the foundation for further characterisation of specific genes controlling microspore-derived embryo development.

Improvement in efficiency of microspore culture to produce doubled haploid lines of Ethiopian mustard

Factors affecting microspore embryogenesis of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) were evaluated, including flower bud length, pollen developmental stage, and microspore density. An embryogenic frequency of 300 embryos per Petri plate was observed with NLN (Nitsch-Lichter-Nitsch) medium supplemented with 13% sucrose, 3.0–3.4-mm-long buds, and a plating density of 65,000 microspores/ml. About 65% of the microspores from buds 3.0–3.4-mm long were at the late uninucleate stage. Microspore-derived embryos were successfully transferred to solid medium for germination. After 4 wk, the resulting plantlets were transplanted to a soilless potting mixture and grew well under greenhouse conditions.

Isolated microspore culture of oat (Avena sativa L.) for the production of doubled haploids: effect of pre-culture and post-culture conditions

The production of doubled haploid (DH) plants from microspores is an important technique used in plant breeding programs and basic research. Although doubled haploidy efficiencies in wheat and barley are sufficient for breeding purposes, oat (Avena sativa L.) is considered recalcitrant. The objective of this project was to develop a protocol for the production of microspore-derived embryos of oat and further develop these embryos into fertile DH plants. A number of experiments were conducted evaluating the factors influencing microspore embryogenesis, i.e. donor plant conditions, pretreatments, media composition, and culture conditions. The initial studies yielded little response, and it was not until high microspore densities (106 microspores/mL and greater) were used that embryogenesis was achieved. Depending on the treatment, yields of over 5,000 embryos/106 microspores were obtained for breeding line 2000QiON43. The doubled haploidy protocol includes: a 0.3 M mannitol pretreatment of the tillers for 7 days, culture in W14 basal medium with a pH of 6.5–7.5, a microspore density of 106 microspores/mL, and continuous incubation at 28 °C incubation. The resulting embryos observed after 28 days were plated onto solidified W14 medium with 0.8 or 1.0 g/L activated charcoal. A colchicine treatment of 0.2 % colchicine for 4 h resulted in conversion of 80 % of the plants from haploid to DH. This protocol was successful for the production of oat microspore-derived embryos and DH green plants with minimal albinism. DH seed was produced and planted for evaluation in a field nursery.

A milestone in the doubled haploid pathway of cassava

This study was aimed at inducing androgenesis in cultured anthers of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) to develop a protocol for the production of doubled haploids. Microspore reprogramming was induced in cassava by cold or heat stress of anthers. Since the anthers contain both haploid microspores and diploid somatic cells, it was essential to verify the origin of anther-derived calli. The origin of anther-derived calli was assessed by morphological screening followed by histological analysis and flow cytometry (FCM). Additionally, simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragmented length polymorphism (AFLP) assays were used for the molecular identification of the microspore-derived calli. The study clearly demonstrated the feasibility of producing microspore-derived calli using heat- or cold-pretreated anthers. Histological studies revealed reprogramming of the developmental pathway of microspores by symmetrical division of the nucleus. Flow cytometry analysis revealed different ploidy level cell types including haploids, which confirmed their origin from the microspores. The SSR and AFLP marker assays independently confirmed the histological and FCM results of a haploid origin of the calli at the DNA level. The presence of multicellular microspores in the in vitro system indicated a switch of developmental program, which constitutes a crucial step in the design of protocols for the regeneration of microspore-derived embryos and plants. This is the first detailed report of calli, embryos, and abnormal shoots originated from the haploid cells in cassava, leading to the development of a protocol for the production of doubled haploid plants in cassava.

Microspore embryogenesis in wheat: new marker genes for early, middle and late stages of embryo development

Microspore embryogenesis involves reprogramming of the pollen immature cell towards embryogenesis. We have identified and characterized a collection of 14 genes induced along different morphological phases of microspore-derived embryo development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) anther culture. SERKs and FLAs genes previously associated with somatic embryogenesis and reproductive tissues, respectively, were also included in this analysis. Genes involved in signalling mechanisms such as TaTPD1-like and TAA1b, and two glutathione S-transferase (GSTF2 and GSTA2) were induced when microspores had acquired a 'star-like' morphology or had undergone the first divisions. Genes associated with control of plant development and stress response (TaNF-YA, TaAGL14, TaFLA26, CHI3, XIP-R; Tad1 and WALI6) were activated before exine rupture. When the multicellular structures have been released from the exine, TaEXPB4, TaAGP31-like and an unknown embryo-specific gene TaME1 were induced. Comparison of gene expression, between two wheat cultivars with different response to anther culture, showed that the profile of genes activated before exine rupture was shifted to earlier stages in the low responding cultivar. This collection of genes constitutes a value resource for study mechanism of intra-embryo communication, early pattern formation, cell wall modification and embryo differentiation.