Isolated microspore culture of Brassica: An experimental tool for developmental studies and crop improvement

The technique of isolated microspore culture for the production of haploid plants is well standardized for many species of Brassica, some of which are important oilseed or vegetable crops. It offers an excellent experimental system for improvement of Brassica crops and study of cell differentiation during shift from gametophytic to sporophytic development. The haploids raised from microspores are of tremendous use in genetic improvement of brassicas through breeding, mutant induction and selection, and genetic engineering. The present review describes current status of the technology, the factors influencing the success of microspore culture, structural, biochemical and molecular changes occurring in the microspores triggered towards sporophytic development, and the progress made in practical applications of the microspore-derived plants.