Durum wheat haploid production using maize wide-crossing.

Area of Science:

• Plant breeding and genetics
• Crop science
• Haploid production technology

Background:

• Anther culture and Hordeum bulbosum pollination are ineffective for haploid production in durum wheat.
• Developing efficient haploid production methods is crucial for durum wheat genetic improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reliable method for haploid seedling production in durum wheat using wide hybridization with maize.
• To investigate the effects of 2,4-D, kinetin, and AgNO3 on embryo recovery and haploid induction.

Main Methods:

• Wide hybridization of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. turgidum and T. turgidum ssp. durum) with maize.
• In-vivo ovary treatment with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and silver nitrate (AgNO3).
• Subsequent embryo culture for haploid seedling recovery.

Main Results:

• Haploid seedlings were successfully recovered from 'Rampton Rivet' (1.7%) and 'Wakona' (3.3%) durum wheat cultivars.
• In-vivo 2,4-D treatment was effective for 'Rampton Rivet', while 'Wakona' required the addition of AgNO3.
• This study demonstrates a significant advancement in haploid production for durum wheat.

Conclusions:

• Wide hybridization with maize, combined with specific in-vivo ovary treatments, provides a viable method for haploid production in durum wheat.
• This technique holds potential for widespread application in tetraploid wheat breeding programs.
• The successful production of haploid seedlings paves the way for developing fertile doubled haploid durum wheat lines.