Advances in microspore culture technology: A biotechnological tool for the improvement of medicinal plants

Abstract

Doubled haploidy techniques are well established for some species and are routinely used for practical application and basic research. Haploid/doubled haploid plants can be produced via a number of ways although the in vitro methods of androgenesis (culture of the male gametophyte) or gynogenesis (culture of the female gametophyte) are the most common. For medicinal plants, very little genetic improvement has been undertaken when compared to major crop species. However, callus, embryos, and doubled haploid plants have been produced in several medicinal species using a range of media formulations and culture conditions. This chapter focuses on doubled haploid production from the male gametophyte and the factors influencing this response.Doubled haploidy methodology would be beneficial for medicinal species as uniform, homozygous, true breeding lines would be available for growers. Uniformity in plants and in the active ingredient is very important for regulatory standards and for those conducting clinical trials.