Efficient Protocol for Doubled Haploid Production in Rye (Secale cereale L.)

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Crop Science
• Functional Foods

Background:

• Rye (Secale cereale L.) is vital for functional foods due to high fiber and bioactive compounds.
• Accelerating rye breeding with biotechnology is essential for this cross-pollinated species.
• Efficient double haploid (DH) production protocols remain a challenge due to genotypic variability and regeneration issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop improved protocols for double haploid (DH) production in rye.
• To enhance microspore embryogenesis (ME) induction efficiency in rye breeding lines.
• To overcome challenges associated with genotypic variability and in vitro regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of antioxidants like reduced glutathione (GSH) and selenium (SS) into tiller pretreatment.
• Addition of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and phytagel to the induction medium.
• Modification of protocols to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Main Results:

• Enhanced survival of microspores during stress pretreatment, isolation, and in vitro culture.
• Increased viability of microspores leading to more reprogrammed, embryogenic microspores.
• Successful testing on 15 F1 rye breeding lines, showing effectiveness in responsive lines.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocols show promise for improving DH production in rye.
• Antioxidants and specific medium components mitigate stress and improve microspore reprogramming.
• These advancements can accelerate breeding programs for functional food development in rye.