In vitro haploid production-A fast and reliable approach for crop improvement

Abstract

The haploid derived true homozygous lines are of utmost importance for crop improvement, especially in the case of recalcitrant, heterozygous, woody plants. In vitro haploid production methods provide a rapid means of achieving homozygosity, by hastening up the conventional breeding methods of crop improvement. Homozygous diploid plants can be produced in a single generation by diploidization of in vitro raised haploids with the application of chemical mutagens. In vitro techniques like androgenesis and gynogenesis are the most prolific and desirable approaches in recent times, which is achieved by stimulating either the male or female gametophyte. However, the frequency of getting haploids through in vitro androgenesis is predominantly higher than gynogenesis due to large number of haploid micropores present within a single anther as against a single haploid egg cell in ovules. Through this chapter, we have attempted to provide a brief overview of the various factors affecting haploid production, the methodologies concerned, confirmation techniques of ploidy level in the haploid regenetants, homozygous diploid production together with a brief research update, and current status of haploid production in a few economically-important recalcitrant tree species. This chapter will act as a guide to prospective scientists working in the area of haploid production intended to improve crop productivity.