In Vitro Gynogenesis and Flow Cytometry Analysis of the Regenerated Haploids of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)

Abstract

In vitro ovule culture could be used to generate homozygous lines through the production of haploid plants. The present study reports on in vitro regeneration and production of haploid plants through ovule cultures and identification of the regenerated haploids using flow cytometry. The ovules were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg·L−1 for their gynogenesis. Among different plant growth regulators (PGRs) tested, 2,4-D at 2 mg·L−1 produced direct gynogenesis. The highest callogenesis percentage (100%) was obtained on MS medium containing 1 mg·L−1 2,4-D and 2 mg·L−1 NAA. Flow cytometry analysis was used to identify the regenerated haploids. It also confirmed gynogenic occurrence at 1 and 2 mg·L−1 2,4-D with percentages of 21.7% and 41%, respectively. Therefore, 2,4-D proved effective for the induction of haploids in black cumin. The regenerated haploids were developed on MS medium without PGRs. The obtained results of in vitro gynogenesis and haploid plant production can tremendously facilitate breeding programs of black cumin.