Androgenesis in Hordeum vulgare L: Effects of mannitol, calcium and abscisic acid on anther pretreatment

Pretreatment-induced androgenesis of Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Igri was investigated in order to find factors which control optimal plant production. The influence of what is called pre-medium and of the concentration of both mannitol and calcium were studied, Increasing concentrations of each of the compounds, also resulting in a higher osmolality, improved both embryo like structure (ELS) and plant productions. Optimal ELS production was obtained upon anther pretreatment in about 20 mM CaCl2 while optimal plant production was obtained with anther pretreatment in about 30 mM CaCl2. In addition, it was observed that calcium could be replaced by potassium ions. Since abscisic acid (ABA) is involved in several developmental processes and is known to be induced by various stresses, we studied the effects of ABA and the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone on the induction of androgenesis. Although external addition of ABA did not significantly affect both ELS and plant productions during pretreatment, addition of fluridone could dramatically reduce the production of plants. The possible mechanism of pretreatment in induction of androgenesis is discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.