Genetic Variability for Haploid Production in Crosses Between Tetraploid and Hexaploid Wheats with Maize

Crosses were made between 14 wheat genotypes (11 tetraploid, 3 hexaploid) and a single Fl hybrid of maize that was used as the male parent. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with three replications. Plants were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions (day length 16 h and temperature 25 °C/15 °C, day/night). To enhance embryo survival, 2, 4-D treatment (10 mg/1) was applied to spikes 24 h after pollination with maize. Embryos were recovered from all tetraploid and hexaploid wheats at a rate of 2.09 to 26.76 per 100 pollinated florets. Haploid and doubled haploid plants were obtained from all hexaploid genotypes (T. aestivum) and from 5 of 11 tetraploid genotypes (T. turgidum var.). The most important point of these experiments was the ability to produce haploid plants from tetraploid wheat for two reasons: firstly, anther culture cannot be applied in tetraploid wheat (T. turgidum var.) due to the inefficiency of embryo formation and the high proportion of albino plants. Secondly, to date, crosses between tetraploid wheat and maize have resulted in embryo formation, but not in haploid plants.