Ovary co-culture improves embryo and green plant production in anther culture of Australian spring wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L.)

A simple anther culture protocol for Australian spring wheat cultivars was developed using ovary co-culture. The inclusion of ovaries in the induction medium significantly increased the production of embryo-like structures (ELS), green and albino plants in two spring wheat cultivars tested. When five ovaries were added to the induction medium, the mean number of ELS per spike increased from 7.6 to 50.1 and green plants per spike increased from 0.6 to 8.9. The addition of 10 ovaries, however, did not further increase the production of ELS or green plants. The growth regulator combination of 2,4-D and KIN was compared with IAA and BA. There were no significant differences in the numbers of ELS or green plants although significantly fewer albino plants were produced with IAA and BA. Eight additional cultivars were screened using the protocol with either 5 or 10 ovaries in the induction medium. Green plants were obtained from nine varieties at frequencies ranging from 0.3 to 33.0 green plants per spike. Regenerant plants at maturity exhibited chromosome fertility rates in different cultivars ranging from 15% to 100%.