ABSTRACT
Haploid plants are a tremendous asset in plant breeding and genetic studies. A haploid is a plant with the gametic or "n" number of chromosomes. Dihaploids, or doubled haploids, are chromosome-doubled haploids or "2n" plants. The development of haploid plants via anther or pollen culture occurs through a process commonly known as androgenesis. Haploid plant production through anther culture has been very limited or nonexistent in many plant species. Furthermore, within a species, differences exist for ability to produce haploid plants. The most critical factor affecting haploid production from anther culture is the stage of microspore development; for many species, anthers are only responsive during the uninucleate stage of pollen development. Haploid plants develop from anther culture either directly or indirectly through a callus phase. Direct androgenesis mimics zygotic embryogenesis with the exception that a true suspensor is not observed in androgenic embryos. Floral buds may be collected from plants grown in the field, greenhouse, or growth chamber.
