RFLP mapping of major and minor genes for important agronomic characters in rice

A molecular genetic map with 233 RFLP markers which covered about 2070 cM of rice genome was constructed based on a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from anther culture of a cross between an indica variety Gui630 and a japonica variety 02428. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for agronomic characters such as number of panides, heading date, plant height, number of spikelets, number of grains, fertility and 1 000-grain weight were analyzed using interval mapping approach. 8 major genes and 29 minor genes were identified associating with these traits. The results also indicated that great phenotypic difference between parents was profitable in detection of major genes.     

Pollen callus culture in Triticum aestivum

Summary Pollen shed between 4–8 d from anthers of Triticum aestivum cultured in liquid medium gave rise to calluses. Tillers were harvested at the mid-to late-unicellular pollen stages and chilled for 8 d at 4–5 °C before the anthers were dissected out. Pollen cultures gave about 6 times as many calluses on a per anther basis as anthers cultured on solid medium. With the most productive of 5 cultivars tested, pollen culture results in roughly one callus for each anther used, though the calluses formed by pollen culture were less productive for the regeneration of shoots than calluses derived from anthers cultured on solid medium. The ratio of green to albino shoots is roughly 1 1 for anther cultures but considerably less for pollen cultures.     

Selection for increased anther culture response in maize

Summary Anther culture of a three-way cross, (H99 × FR16) × Pa91, resulted in the regeneration of two anther-derived plants which were crossed to produce an F₁ progeny. Fourteen S₁ families derived from this cross were evaluated for their anther culturability. Dramatic increases in the level of androgenesis, expressed as the percentage of cultured anthers which produced embryo-like structures, were observed. An overall mean response frequency of 23.4% was observed for the S₁ families. This was compared to a 3.5% response in the original three-way cross. These results demonstrate that genetic improvement of in vitro androgenesis in maize is possible and that anther culture per se constitutes a procedure for selecting genes which favor increased levels of response.     

利用分子标记定位水稻野败型核质互作雄性不育恢复基因

以籼稻恢复系圭６３０与粳型广亲和品种０２４２８的Ｆ１代花药培养,获得８１个双单倍体（ＤＨ）,构建了有２３３个ＲＦＬＰ标记的分子图谱。用籼稻野败型不育系珍汕９７Ａ测定各ＤＨ系的恢复性,并将恢复性作为数量性状进行ＱＴＬ的区间作图分析,鉴别出８个基因座位,其中有２个基因座位,Ｒｆｉ－３和尾Ｒｆｉ－４,单个ＱＴＬ的基因贡献值分别是４９．６％和３５．４％,对育性恢复起主要作用,定为主效基因座位,位于第三和四染色体上,其它６个基因座位对育性恢复亦有一定的影响。表明野败型雄性不育恢复性是受主效基因和微效基因共同控制的性状。     

Anther culture in Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera).

Embryo yields from anther culture were determined for seven F₁ hybrid genotypes of Brussels sprouts, one of which was known to be highly responsive. At least 1400 anthers were cultured for each genotype and the genotypes were tested in two groups. Although the results were variable, the genotypes were provisionally grouped as follows: two were highly responsive (with up to 180 and 376 embryos per 100 anthers cultured), one was moderately responsive (with up to 53 embryos) and four were virtually non-responsive. The possible genetic basis for the difference in responsiveness is discussed, together with the implications of the results for the utilisation of anther culture in Brussels sprouts breeding.     

A comparison of RFLP maps based on anther culture derived, selfed, and hybrid progenies of Solanum chacoense.

Comparative RFLP linkage maps were constructed using five segregating populations derived from two self-incompatible lines (termed PI 230582 and PI 458314) of diploid tuber-bearing Solanum chacoense Bitt. The analysis was based on 84 RFLP loci identified by 73 different cDNA clones. Distortion of expected Mendelian segregation ratios was observed; less than 10% of the markers showed a skewed segregation in the gametes forming the F1, hybrid population compared with 30% in the selfed population and 46 and 70% in the two populations produced by anther culture. For the anther culture derived populations, most of the skewed loci were scattered throughout the genome, whereas in the populations derived from selfing, they were found primarily in linkage group 1, around the S locus. In this study, we also found that the rate of meiotic recombination could differ between the male and female gametes produced by our parental lines. Thus, male gametes of line PI 458314 showed significantly less recombination as assessed by the total length of the map (206 cM for male gametes vs. 375 cM for female gametes) and the phenomenon was genome-wide. In contrast, the maps from the gametes of PI 230582 had about the same length, but some linkage groups were longer in the female gametes, while others were longer in the male gametes. Key words : Solanum chacoense, RFLP, anther culture, skewed segregation, self-incompatibility, sex differences in recombination.     

Microarray Analysis of Gene Expression Involved in Anther Development in rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

In flowering plants, anthers bear male gametophytes whose development is regulated by the elaborate coordination of many genes. In addition, both gibberellic acid (GA₃) and jasmonic acid (JA) play important roles in anther development and pollen fertility. To facilitate the analysis of anther development genes and how GA₃ and JA regulate anther development, we performed microarray experiments using a 10-K cDNA microarray with probes derived from seedlings, meiotic anthers, mature anthers and GA₃- or JA-treated suspension cells of rice. The expression level change of 2155 genes was significantly (by 2-fold or greater) detected in anthers compared with seedlings. Forty-seven genes, representing genes with potential function in cell cycle and cell structure regulation, hormone response, photosynthesis, stress resistance and metabolism, were differentially expressed in meiotic and mature anthers. Moreover, 314 genes responded to either GA₃ or JA treatment, and 24 GA₃- and 82 JA-responsive genes showed significant changes in expression between meiosis and the mature anther stages. RT-PCR demonstrated that gene y656d05 was not only highly expressed in meiotic anthers but also induced by GA₃. Strong RNA signals of y656d05 were detected in pollen mother cells and tapetum in in situ hybridization. Further characterization of these candidate genes can contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanism of anther development and the involvement of JA and GA₃ signals in the control of anther development in rice.     

Characterization of three anther-specific genes isolated from Chinese cabbage

Two cDNA libraries were constructed from poly(A)+ RNAs isolated from each of immature flowers (less than 2.0 mm long buds) and anthers (2.0-5.0 mm long buds) of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis). Using dot-differential hybridization, three cDNA clones, designated BIF38, BAN54, and BAN237, have been isolated from the constructed cDNA libraries and sequenced completely in both directions. Northern blot analyses indicate that all three cDNA clones are abundantly expressed in anther, but not in leaf or other floral organs. The deduced amino acid sequences of BIF38, BAN54, and BAN237 showed high identity with those of known anther-specific genes. Especially the deduced amino acid sequence of BIF38 has 98% identity with that of a phospholipid protein gene (E2) from Brassica napus. Also, the deduced amino acid sequences of BAN54 and BAN237 are similar to the sequences of microspore-specific genes (Bp4A and Bp4C) and pollen oleosins (I3, pol3 and C98), respectively. Southern blot analyses revealed that all three genes belong to multiple gene families in the Chinese cabbage genome.     

Factors affecting variability in anther culture and in conversion of androgenic embryos ofSolanum phureja

The variation for embryo production in anther ofSolanum phureja was examined as a function of maximum greenhouse temperature prior to bud harvest and innate responsiveness among anthers within a bud. Four clones ofS. phuyreja were grown in a greenhouse under a 16-h photoperiod. The temperature was monitored continuously. Buds (60 per day on 10 days) were collected and the anthers cultured in two groups of five flasks (30 anthers per flask). In the first group, each flask contained the 30 anthers from six buds; in the second group, each flask contained one anther from each of 30 buds. Significantly smaller coefficients of variation were observed for the second group, suggesting that variation for embryogenic capcity among buds was greater than that among anthers within a bud. Variation in embryo yield as a function of greenhouse temperature was examined by stepwise regression analysis. Embryogenic capacity of one clone was adversely affected by high temperatures (31–37°C) that occurred two and seven days before bud harvest. However, similarly high temperatures appeared to enhance the androgenic response of another clone. Conversion of anther-derived embryos over three subcultures to fresh regeneration medium was examined as a function of anther donor or clone, cold pretreatment of embryos, and morphological classification of embryos. Only clonal origin significantly affected conversion rate which ranged from 12.5% to 46.0%. Conversion rate declined on each serial subculture.Abbreviations BA N⁶-benzyladenine - GA₃ gibberellic acid, IAA-indole-3-acetic acid     

RFLP mapping of isozymes,RAPD and QTLs for grain shape,brown planthopper resistance in a doubled haploid rice population

We have developed an RFLP framework map with 146 RFLP markers based on a doubled haploid population derived from a cross between an indica variety IR64 and a japonica variety Azucena. The population carries 50.2% of IR64 loci and 49.8% of Azucena loci, indicating an equal amount of genetic materials from each parent has been transmitted to the progenies through anther culture. However, some markers show segregation distortion. These distorted marker loci are located on 10 chromosomal segments. Using this map we were able to place 8 isozymes, 14 RAPDs, 12 cloned genes, 1 gene for brown planthopper (BPH) resistance, and 12 QTLs for grain length, grain width and length/width ratio onto rice chromosomes. The major gene for BPH resistance was mapped on chromosome 12 near RG463 and isozyme Sdh-1. Most of the QTLs identified for the three grain characters were closely linked on chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 10. We concluded that the RFLP framework map presented here will be useful for mapping other genes segregating in this doubled haploid population. Thus rapid generation of doubled haploid lines and their unbiased segregation make it very attractive for gene mapping.     

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes During Anther Abortion of Taigu Genic Male Sterile Wheat by Combining Suppression Subtractive Hybridization and cDNA Array

Talgu Genlc Male Sterile Wheat （TGMSW; Trltlcum aestlvum L.）, a dominant genic male sterile germplasm, is of considerable value in the genetic Improvement of wheat because of Its stable Inherence, complete male abortion, and high cross-fertilization rate. To Identify specially transcribed genes In sterile anther, a suppression subtractlve hybridization （aSH） library was constructed with sterile anther as the tester and fertile anther as the driver. A total of 2 304 SSH Inserts amplified by polymerase chain reaction were arrayed using robotic printing. The cDNA arrays were hybridized with 32P-labeled probes prepared from the RNA of forward- and reverse-subtracted anthers. Ninety-six clones were scored as upregulated in sterile anthers compared with the corresponding fertile anthers and some clones were selected for sequencing and analysis In GenBank. Based on their putative functions, 87 non-redundant clones were classified Into the following groups： （i） eight genes Involved In metabolic processes; （11） four material transportation genes; （iii） three signal transductlon-assoclated genes; （iv） four stress response and senescence-associated protein genes; （v） seven other functional protein genes; （vi） five genes with no known function; and （vii） another 56 genes with no match to the databases. To test the hybridization efficiency, eight genes were selected and analyzed by Northern blot. The results of the present study provide a comprehensive overview of the genes and gene products Involved In anther abortion In TGMSW.     

Genetic analysis of anther and leaf disc culture in two clones of Solanum chacoense Bitt. and their reciprocal hybrids

Two diploid clones of self-incompatible Solanum chacoense Bitt. with androgenetic ability were tested for anther and leaf disc culture response together with eight of their reciprocal F1 hybrids. Large differences were found among genotypes in frequency of anther induction as well as in the phase of plant regeneration. Anthers harvested in June showed a significantly higher percentage of response (17.5%) at the induction phase than those collected in July (13.8%) or August (12.7%). The lowest induction frequency was observed in May (7.3%). By contrast, plant regeneration from induced anthers did not vary during this time. Genotypic differences were also observed in leaf disc response. The two parental clones and two of their hybrids failed to produced any shoots. Among the remaining genotypes, two had only sporadic occurrence of shoot formation, two gave an intermediate response (15% and 24% of their discs carried shoots), whereas the discs of the two remaining genotypes responded well to culture (68% and 77%). The genetic analysis performed on the reciprocal hybrids revealed that a positive significant correlation existed between anther induction and leaf disc response (Spearman's r=0.82; p=0.01). This suggests that, under our conditions, these two aspects of tissue culture might share a common system of genetic control. Estimates of broad sense heritabilities, for leaf disc culture, 83% were obtained and the number of effective factors involved in the control of tissue culture response, indicated a relatively simple genetic control. Finally, considering the potentialities opened by the use of RFLP analysis, it might be possible to find probes that are linked with genes involved in tissue culture competence.     

Analysis of quantitative trait loci which contribute to anther culturability in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Anther culturability of rice is significantly different between indica and japonica varieties. A doubled haploid (DH) population was established via anther culture of an indica/japonica hybrid on SK₃ medium, which had been shown particularly suitable for anther culture of indica/japonica hybrids. For analyzing the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for anther culturability, anthers of the DH lines were again cultured with SK₃ medium and parameters for four traits representing the anther culturability were surveyed and analyzed with the molecular map constructed from the same DH population. The parameters for four major traits were as follows: callus induction frequency (CI), green plantlet differentiation frequency (GPD), albino plantlet differentiation frequency (APD), and green plantlet yield frequency (GPY). All four traits displayed continuous distributions among the DH lines. The correlation coefficients between these traits were also tested and showed that there was no relationship between callus induction and green plantlet differentiation frequencies, but both showed strong positive correlation with the frequency of green plantlet yield. For callus induction frequency, five QTLs were identified on chromosomes 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12. Two QTLs for green plantlet differentiation frequency were located on chromosomes 1 and 9. There was a major QTL for albino plantlet differentiation frequency on chromosome 9. No independent QTL was found for green plantlet yield frequency. The results may be useful in the selection of parents with high response to anther culture for rice haploid breeding and in the establishment of permanent DH populations for molecular mapping.     

Anther Factor(s) in Barley Anther Culture

The effects of anther tissues were studied systematically on microspores forming multicellular units and furthermore on pollen callus formation in the anther culture of Hordeum vulgare (cv. Sabarlis). Anther productivity was found to be greatly enhanced by use of medium previously conditioned by anthers. In 15 experiments observed, anthers produced 26 times on average more calli in the conditioned medium than in control, in a few cases, even more than 80 times more calli formed. According to this, the authors supposed that cultured anthers released some components, anther factor (s) (AF), which is important to androgenesis in the culture. To achieve high yields of callus, culture was restricted to anthers which had been subpected to cold pretreatment. The temperature stress could not be replaced by the AF. However, for conditioning medium, anthers at binuclear stage were found to be more effective than the test anthers either with or without the pretreatment. Anthers from other 8 barley varieties were also effective for conditioning, as the difference of anther productivity still existed in the culture with conditioned medium between various genotypes tested. Anther response and callus yield were increased in both the culture of anthers at mid and late-uninuclear stage by use of conditioned medium. AF interacted synergistically with m-inositol. Cytological observation showed that AF increased apparently the formation of MPGs, while m-inositol mainly stimulated callus formation from MPGs. To some extent, the effect of exogenous hormone(s) could be replaced by AF. The anther response and pollen callus yield could be much enhanced by increasing anther inoculation density, which also raised the AF level in the culture. Thus, by use of the temperature stress prior to anther culture and culture of test anthers in conditioned medium with m-inositol, or at higher inoculation density, a very high production of pollen callus could be obtained in barley anther culture. For meeting the more specialized requirements of less responsive species or genopypes, the principles given here may be provide some basic information.     

Segregation of genetic markers among plants regenerated from cultured anthers of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. ‘italica’)

Summary An experiment was conducted to determine critical factors in the recovery of embryos from cultured anthers of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and to unambiguously distinguish whether embryos were of gametophytic origin. Among factors tested, genotype, genotype x anther developmental stage, and method of anther culture had a distinct impact on embryo recovery, whereas length of anther exposure to the culture medium did not. However, extreme heterogeneity of embryo emergence within and among replications precluded statistical contrasts. Among 762 plants derived from embryos of four independent cultivars, only one was determined to be of sporophytic origin by use of heterozygous codominant isozyme markers. Two of the cultivars tested were heterozygous at two or more loci. While segregation among loci was consistent with previously published linkage data, segregation of alleles was consistently non-random. In all of seven separate cases involving four cultivars, a significant over-representation of the fast-migrating class was observed. It appears, therefore, that populations of plants derived from microspores within cultured anthers of broccoli do not necessarily represent a random gametic array, and that care must be exercised in breeding and genetic applications.     

Callus induction in culture of Oenothera hookeri and Oenothera picensis anthers

In the present work we try to determine optimum conditions for callus induction in anther culture of Oenothera hookeri and O. picensis. The anther callus yield was increased when the anthers were cultured on modified MS medium supplied with 2 mg dm^-3 2,4-D and 2 mg dm^-3 NAA, in both species. In O. hookeri, best results were obtained when anthers were excised from 7.2 - 9 mm buds at the stage of vacuolated microspores, then pretreated at 4 °C for 2 d and grown under 16-h photoperiod. The response to anther culture of O. picensis was generally very poor compared with that of O. hookeri. The higher yield of calli was obtained when anthers were excised from 6.2 - 8 mm buds at the stage of vacuolated microspores and grown under continuous light. The cold pretreatment of buds decreased anther response in this species. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Changes in the sugar content of barley anthers during culture on different carbohydrates

The quantity of glucose liberated by an anther homogenate from nine different carbon substrates, was examined to elucidate the rate of carbohydrate breakdown by anther tissues in culture. The possible relationship between these results and development in culture was examined by extraction, and HPLC analysis of the soluble sugars from anthers cultured on medium containing one of four of the previously tested carbon substrates. Similarly, sugars from anthers subjected to one of three different inductive pretreatments, were analysed and compared with extracts from fresh anthers. The most successful carbon source in culture, when measured by fresh, and dry weight gain of the developing anthers, were the diglucoses maltose and cellobiose. Glucose was probably liberated from these diglucose substrates at a similar rate to that at which it could be utilized during the development of microspore derived structures. Pretreatments were shown to increase the glucose content of anthers, providing a pulse of the sugar at the start of culture. This effect was particularly pronounced when anthers were preincubated on a medium containing mannitol, and this type of pretreatment was found to be the most successful in promoting the development of microspore derived structures (measured by gain in fresh and dry weight) when subsequently cultured on medium containing maltose.