Generation of doubled haploids through induced androgenesis in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun)

Ethiopian mustard (B. carinata A. Braun), a natural allopolyploid (2n= 34) of B. oleracea and B. nigra, has several desirable characteristics which make it a better oilseed crop for higher productivity and sustainability under biotic and abiotic stresses. But, a few traits like late maturity and poor quality of oil and meal need improvement. Androgenesis/anther culture shortens the breeding cycle and fixes agronomic traits in a homozygous state as compared to conventional breeding methods. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to develop doubled haploid through anther culture and identify suitable medium for androgenesis in Ethiopian mustard. Florets of F₁ from a cross between an elite cultivar of Brassica carinata i.e. ‘Jayanti’ and an early maturing line ‘RCC 6 - 1’ after 2, 4 and 6 days of pretreatment at 35°C, plated on B₅, N₆ and KA media supplemented with eight hormones/hormonal combinations were used to generate doubled haploids through anther culture. 2 days pre-treatment at 35°C in the callusing medium B₅ supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2, 4-D + 1.0 mg/l NAA was most suitable for androgenesis in Ethiopian mustard for production of induced doubled haploids. Out of the total 204 plants regenerated only 42 survived till flowering and 29 doubled haploids plants were obtained with 69.05% fertility and/or doubled haploid frequency. The doubled haploids regenerated from a diverse intraspecific cross of B. carinata in the present study will help in identifying the potential doubled haploids containing desired combinations of traits for exploitation as a cultivar or used in breeding programme.