Pollen-embryogenesis and chromosomal variability in anther culture of Brassica hirta Moench (Sinapis alba L)

Abstract

The anther cultures of Brassica hirta underwent poIlenembryogenesis and callusing, which showed a wide range of chromosome numbers varying from 9 (n=12) to a highly polyploid. For embryogenesis, pretreatment of floral buds in 0.4M sucrose solution for 72 hrs at 4℃ was superior to freshly cultured anthers. Culture temperature of 30℃ for 14 days before maintenance of cultures at 25℃ was significantly beneficial for embryo yield in comparison to cultures conlinuously incubated at 25℃ . Dark treatment during culture was more effective for pollen-embryo yield.