Genetic Improvement of Androgenetic Haploid Formation in Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Androgenetic response in two segregating populations (F3 and F4) and their parents (‘Ghods’ and 6605) was investigated. The F3 and F4 generations were obtained by Single Seed Descent (SSD) in a greenhouse. The experiment consisted of 69 pots, each containing four plants (‘Ghods’, 6605, F3 and F4). Embryo production, green and albino plants per 100 anthers as well as total plant regeneration per 100 anthers have been determined. The difference between F3 generation and mid-parents was significant and positive for embryo production, green plant regeneration, and total plant regeneration. The difference between F4 generation and mid-parents was positive and significant only for green and total plant regeneration. Heritability estimates were high and important genetic advances based on 10% selection were predicted. The best F3 and F4 plants have produced 329.46 and 492.59 embryos per 100 anthers, and 62.72 and 65.11 green plants per 100 anthers, respectively. As androgenetic traits are highly heritable, so a rapid gain from selection of such F3 or F4 genotypes should be possible.