(1) Plant Biotechnology Program, Plant Research Centre, Agriculture Canada, Building 21, C.E.F., K1A 0C6 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada;(2) Immuno-cytometry Section, Federal Centre for AIDS, Health and Welfare, Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Abstract:
Flow cytometry can be used to select and sort microspore subpopulations of Brassica napus cv. Topas. Data obtained from embryogenic microspore populations were used to identify potentially embryogenic microspores from developmentally heterogeneous microspore populations based on differences in forward light scatter and green autofluorescence. Culture enrichment for embryogenic microspores is possible. Frequencies of 8 and 14% microspore embryogenesis were obtained when selected 16 h and 72 h after culture initiation. This represents 5- and 13-fold increase in microspore embryogenesis compared to non-sorted controls.