Enhanced pollen grain embryogenesis and plant regeneration in anther cultures of Brassica juncea cv. PR-45

Pollen grain embryogenesis in anther cultures of Brassica juncea cv. PR-45 was considerably enhanced by treating the donor plants with 4 ml l super(-1) (v/v) of ethrel or delayed sowing of the donor plants, the latter treatment being superior. The anthers derived from plants sown about two months after the normal sowing period showed 18% androgenesis as compared to 3.5% in the control. Pollen grain embryos normally showed very poor germination (10%) on B sub(5) or B sub(5) containing GA sub(3). However, ABA or cold treatment promoted normal germination of these embryos. Exposure of the embryos to 4 degree C for 6 days, which proved to be the best treatment, induced 66% germination of the embryos.