Induction of Androgenesis in Pearl Millet

Abstract

Breeding efforts in Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br), one of the most widely cultivated drought- and high-temperature tolerant C4 cereals, are aimed at maximum exploitation of hybrid vigor for both grain and forage yields. Until now, very limited work has been carried out on in vitro production of haploids in pearl millet; while it is being employed as the pollinator which will be further eliminated, resulting in haploids of the recipient species, e.g. wheat, oat. Anther culture experiments were carried out with seven genotypes 841-P3, 843-22B, ICMB 93333, ICMB 89111, XL-51, 4201 and 86-M34 tested on 12 different culture media. Androgenic embryos were induced in the frequency of 13.7, 9.51 and 7.58 % from 841-P3, ICMB 93333 and XL-51 cultivars. Inclusion of 4% maltose as additional carbon source resulted in higher number of multicellular microspores among the responsive genotypes. These experiments form a promising basis to further develop double haploid protocol for pearl mille breeding in the arid and semi-arid regions