NUCLEAR AND CYTOPLASMIC CONTROL OF ANTHER CULTURE RESPONSE IN WHEAT .2. COMMON WHEAT X ALLOPLASMIC LINES

This study was conducted to evaluate the roles of nuclear and cytoplasmic gene control of anther culture responses in wheat, Triticum aestivum L. Two groups of reciprocal crosses were used, One, between alloplasmic lines of T. aestivum L. cultivars Selkirk, Siete Cerros 66, and Penjamo 62 and other T. aestivum cultivars; and the other, between several alloplasmic lines and their nucleus-donor cultivars. Anther donor plants were grown in a greenhouse. Anthers were placed on liquid potato-4 medium for callus induction, and calli were transferred to agar solidified 190-2 media for plant regeneration. Significant reciprocal differences were observed in both groups for all components of anther culture response. Most differences were for callus induction. Reciprocal differences were considered due to cytoplasmic effects rather than maternal effects based on earlier studies. Reciprocal differences observed for one cross of an alloplasmic line and its nuclear donor source indicated that selection of nuclear genes favoring compatibility with the alien cytoplasm had occurred during the backcross process by which the alloplasmic lines were developed. However, in two combinations, heterosis due to nuclear genetic interactions was observed. The results provide substantial supporting evidence for cytoplasm and cytoplasm X nuclear genetic controls of the response of wheat genotypes to anther culture.