Improving green plant production via isolated microspore culture in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Although a high efficiency of microspore embryogenesis can be achieved for a wide range of genotypes, some genotypes regenerate a high proportion of albino plants. Significant improvements in embryo regeneration and green plant formation were achieved by adding 10% NPB98 medium to a microspore pretreatment solution containing a chemical inducer formulation. For the wheat genotype WED 202-16-2, which is known to produce a moderate frequency of albinos, the plant regeneration rate was 15% higher, and the green plant percentage increased 27% following the addition of this nutrient supplement during embryo initiation. There were no negative effects on the responsive genotype Svilena. Embryo production in both genotypes was not affected. Our results indicate that providing readily available nutrients during microspore embryo initiation is effective in promoting plant regeneration and enhancing green plant development in a wheat genotype with a propensity for albinism.