Triploid and Hexaploid Regenerants from Hexaploid Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) via Anther Culture

Pollen embryos were obtained from eight genotypes and viable green plants were regenerated from four genotypes in an anther-culture experiment with 165 genotypes of Phleum pratense L. Formation of proembryos inside the cultured anthers during the first 10—12 days was significantly influenced by genotypes and by the type of nutrient media. Primary embryos developed into multiple secondary embryos before regeneration of plants. Among a total of 62 plants regenerated, only 13 were albinos. Of the green regenerants, 11 were triploid while 35 were hexaploid when DNA-content was measured by flow cytometry. Eight plants with a triploid DNA-content did possess the triploid chromosome number of 21. Triploid and hexaploid regenerants from two different parents showed simplified isozyme (GPI and PGD) banding patterns relative to that of their parents.