Chromosome doubling of mature haploid Brussels sprout plants by colchicine treatment

Summary The effect of colchicine concentration, and the mode and time of colchicine application in doubling the chromosomes of haploid Brussels sprout plants was assessed by scoring treated plants for the presence of diploid flowers and seed set after self-pollination.When colchicine treatments were applied after the plants had been vernalised, using 2 dose rates and 3 methods of application, only 38.1% became doubled and only 13.8% produced seed. Treatment with 0.1% colchicine with or without the addition of 2% dimethyl sulphoxide gave doubling rates similar to those reached with 0.05% colchicine, but resulted in more damage to the apices.When 0.05% colchicine solution was injected into the plants' apices at varying times during vernalisation, the rate of doubling was 71.2% on average and 50.7% of plants gave seed on selfing.Overall doubling rates of plants where the apex was easily accessible were 79.0%, while for plants with dense terminal heads they were 35.0% and for plants with visible buds 31.4%.