The Effect of Cultural Factors on Anther Culture in Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Effects of shaking, medium consistency and anther density on polyhaploid production in two wheat cultivars, Pavon and Chris, were studied using a modified 85D12 medium. Pavon produced more calli in shaking and more albino plants tban Chris. However, Chris produced threefold more green plants than Pavon in non-shaking treatment. More calli and green plants were derived from non-shaking treatment than those from shaking treatment. Anthers were cultured on both liquid and semi-solid 85D12 media, using two anther densities, 48 and 96 anthers per plate. Although Pavon generally produced more calli and albino plants than Chris, Chris produced more green plants than Pavon. More green plants were derived from semi-solid medium than those from liquid medium. A factor that may affect plant regeneration from anthers is the length of time on initiation medium. Most of the calli for both genotypes were transferred during the first two time periods. Fertility, as measured by seed set, was determined for all surviving regenerated plants. About 24% of Chris and Pavon anther-derived green plants in the experiment of medium consistency and anther density produced seed.