Response of flax genotypes to doubled haploid production

Forty-four flax genotypes with a diverse genetic background were evaluated for anther culture response using a standard anther culture protocol in order to determine the feasibility to initiate a routine haploid production system in applied breeding programs. A strong genotype effect on callus induction and shoot regeneration in anther culture was found in this study. A number of genotypes, including two low cadmium content lines 96-11785 and 96-11826, a high oil content line 96-22109 and a high linolenic acid content line M 4919 were identified as highly responsive. The impact of the findings in this study on flax breeding was discussed. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.