An overview of preliminary studies on the development of doubled haploid protocols for nutraceutical species

There is very little activity underway to improve the genetics of herbs, spices, and nutraceutical crops. Much of the industry relies on the harvest of “wild” plants; therefore, the potential for variability in performance and active ingredients is high. This presents significant challenges for an industry that is striving to achieve market credibility and meet current regulatory standards. Uniform varieties would also be beneficial for use in clinical trials. The development of plants performing consistently in cultivation under various environmental conditions and producing a stable quality and quantity of desired active ingredients cannot solely rely on traditional plant breeding, but must be supported by the development of tissue culture methods targeted to the species of interest. We have screened over 80 herb, spice, and nutraceutical species for microspore culture response using the Brassica napus microspore culture protocol. The majority of the species did not respond. Swelling and initial divisions of the microspores were observed in some species. Embryogenesis, however, was observed in the Apiaceae and the Caryophyllaceae. Species within these families were selected for further optimization. Improvements in embryogenic frequency were observed in both families. Haploid and doubled haploid plants have been regenerated in anise (Pimpinella anisum), carrot (Daucus carota), caraway (Carum carvi), dill (Anethum graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), lovage (Levisticum officinale), laceflower (Amni majus), parsnip (Petroselinum crispum), and cow cockle (Saponaria vaccaria).