The effect of genotype on androgenesis induction of Aesculus hippocastanum L.

Abstract

Influence of different genotype, age of trees and environmental temperature on induction of androgenesis and apperance of albino horse chestnut embryos were studied. Efficiency of in vitro androgenesis via anther and microspore culture were investigated using the same closed flower bud material. Androgenic response of different genotypes was measured and compared. Anther induction rates were from 5 % to 37.6 % depending of genotype. Under optimal conditions, the number of embryos per isolated anther varied between 0.5 to 5.0 embryos in anther culture, while in microspore culture varied between 3.0 to 27 embryos, depending of genotype. A microspore culture was 5-6 times more efficient than anther culture for the same genotype. Age of the trees had no influence on androgenesis induction. Temperature of about 4-5°C was optimal for androgenic embryo induction. Flow cytometric analysis of embryos and regenerated plants showed that the most of the androgenic embryos were haploid, corresponding to their microspore origin, while a half of these were diploid, after 6 months in culture. However, diploid, tetraploid and octaploid embryos were observed after 3 years in subculturing.