ARS | Publication request: HAPLOID DOUBLED HAPLOID PRODUCTION IN DURUM WHEAT BY WIDE HYBRIDIZATION (BOOK CHAPTER IN: MANUAL ON HAPLOID AND DOUBLE HAPLOID PRODUCTION IN CROP PLANTS.)

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 17, 2003
Publication Date: July 1, 2003
Citation: JAUHAR, P.P. HAPLOID DOUBLED HAPLOID PRODUCTION IN DURUM WHEAT BY WIDE HYBRIDIZATION (BOOK CHAPTER IN: MANUAL ON HAPLOID AND DOUBLE HAPLOID PRODUCTION IN CROP PLANTS.). BOOK CHAPTER. 2003. p. 161-166.

Technical Abstract: Haploid plants (with half the chromosome number) are useful in basic research in cytogenetics and in practical plant breeding. Haploids through chromosome doubling provide rapid means of achieving homozygosity (genetic purity), thereby accelerating breeding programs. Although haploids have been produced in numerous crop plants including bread wheat, it was difficult to induce haploidy in durum wheat, a cereal of great importance worldwide. We standardized a method of producing haploids in several commercial durum cultivars by crossing them with maize (by using post-pollination hormonal treatments) and culturing the hybrid embryos on suitably modified nutrient media. During developmental stages of the embryo on culture media, the maize chromosomes are eliminated, resulting in durum haploids. The protocol for the production of haploids is described along with factors influencing the efficiency of this technique. This protocol will be published in a manual to be used worldwide.