Isolated microspore cultures of a Hungarian durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L.) cultivar, Martondur 1

Abstract

A number of sporophytically induced microspores and embryo-like structures (ELS) were obtained from isolated microspore cultures of durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. cv. Martondur 1). Various pre-treatments were screened, involving spike treatment at 4°C for 2, 7 or 14 days; anther treatment in 0.4 M mannitol containing macroelements at 33°C for 3 days, and various combinations of these. The frequency of embryogenic (star-like) microspores and the number of ELS showed a very high positive correlation in the cultures. Starvation at high temperature was necessary to achieve a reasonable frequency of microspore embryogenesis. The best results were achieved when starvation at high temperature was combined with no or short (2-day) cold treatment (212±77 and 203±34 ELS/100 anthers, respectively). However, the ELS failed to regenerate; only a few of them produced poorly-developed albino shoots. The present work could be a promising starting point for the production of doubled haploid durum wheat plants in Hungary via isolated microspore culture.