Anther Culture of Elite Genotypes of Maize¹

The use of anther culture as a means of haploid breeding in maize ( Zea mays L.) has been limited by the paucity of responsive genotypes. The present study was designed to identify agronomically acceptable germplasm of maize that responds to anther culture. In 1984, 25 related‐line crosses were evaluated for their ability to produce embryoids from cultured anthers. Twelve genotypes responded with at least one anther producing embryoids; with six exhibiting response frequencies of 1.0% or greater. In 1985, 27 genotypes were screened and 17 responded, nine of which displayed frequencies of 1.0% or greater. The most responsive crosses contained the lines H99, FR16, and Pa91. Plants could be regenerated from most responsive genotypes, however, seed production resulting from spontaneous chromosome doubling was low.