Genes and genetics belong to maize haploid induction.

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and breeding
• Agricultural biotechnology

Background:

• Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital global crop.
• Double haploid (DH) technology significantly reduces breeding time and cost for maize cultivar improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in maize haploid induction systems and genetic mechanisms.
• To assess methods for haploid identification and chromosome doubling techniques.

Main Methods:

• Examination of genetic factors in paternal and maternal haploid inducers (e.g., IG1, MTL/ZmPLA1/NLD, ZmDMP, ZmPLD3, ZmPOD65, CENH3).
• Critical assessment of haploid identification methods including DNA content and phenotypic markers (R1-navajo, Pl1).
• Discussion of artificial and spontaneous chromosome doubling techniques (colchicine, N2O, QTL for SHGD).

Main Results:

• Key genes influencing haploid embryo formation are identified.
• Enhanced accuracy in haploid selection through improved identification methods and kernel oil content (KOC).
• Progress in both artificial and spontaneous chromosome doubling methods.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing DH technology requires integrating genetic tools, precision phenotyping, and genome editing.
• DH technology holds transformative potential for next-generation maize breeding programs.
• Further research can accelerate the development of improved maize varieties.