Fertile maize lines obtained from isolated microspores

Microspore response of three- way cross maize hybrid genotype 3AL/95 (Zea mays L.) was studied under simplified isolation and culture conditions. Fertile plant production was achieved through abundant plant regeneration. As a total, microspores of 160 tassels were inoculated and five sustainable microspore derived callus cultures (SMC) were obtained. Hybrid seeds (ML SC), which were produced by crossing of regenerates from two SMCs, gave rise to subsequent vigorous and fertile progeny. The response of the 3AL/95 and ML SC microspores was studied in three liquid culture media in order to improve the early viability of microspores. Them N6M medium provided better survival of cultured microspores (p = 5%) than the ppN6M/89 and the YPM-G media. The pH 5.8 in mN6M medium revealed significant increase (p = 1%) in microspore viability as compared to pH 3.0. The ML SC microspores showed higher viability(30%) on the first day of culture in the mN₆M than those of the3AL/95 (19%) but without improved rate of callus formation and plant regeneration. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.