Microspore-derived embryo induction from cultured anthers of wheat

Microspore-derived embryo (MDE) induction was evaluated following the culture of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) anthers in a basal medium with a range of supplements. Several supplements were evaluated, including a commercial bovine haemoglobin solution (Erythrogen(TM)), Ficoll and the co-polymer surfactant Pluronic F-68, but these did not enhance MDE induction. However, phenylacetic acid, replacing both 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and kinetin, increased MDE induction by a factor of 1.6 (p < 0.05), producing 257 +/- 29 (mean +/- s.e., n=3) MDEs per 100 anthers cultured. Twenty-four plants regenerated from MDEs induced via anther culture were used for ploidy determinations; 33% were sterile haploids, while the remainder were fertile.