Hybridization approach for improvement of anther culture efficiency in Maize

SUMMARY


Genotype dependency in maize limits the application of the method for breeding. Some maize genotypes have good response in anther culture giving enough number of embryos and regenerated plants. But most genotype show poor or no response in anther culture. Genetics studies revealed that at least 9 locus located in different chromosomes have relation to response of genotype in anther culture. In this study, attempts were made to overcome genotype dependency in maize by crossing high responsive lines with local Vietnamese genotypes to deliver genes responsible for response in anther culture to local genotypes.
Two high responsive in anther culture maize lines M82 and M24 of temperate background were crossed with large number of local genotypes. Five crossings were selected for studies. Results showed that hybrids of all five crossings have response in anther culture much higher then local parents. This concerned both embryo production and plant regeneration. In general response of hybrids in 7-12 time more then local parents. Hybrids inherited good characteristics of both parents: high response in anther culture from M82 and M24 lines and good adaptation to tropical climate conditions in Vietnam of local parents.

Further, response of individual hybrids was investigated. It was revealed that although response of the hybrid lines was improved very much, response of individuals within the lines is very different from plant to plant varying from 0 to 158%. Thus response of a genotype must be accessed as average response of all it’s individuals.

Thus, anther culture efficiency of economically important genotypes can be improved by sexual crossing with high responsive genotypes. F₁ hybrids of these lines can be used for production of inbred lines through anther culture.

Le Huy Ham
AGI