Generation of doubled haploids in cauliflower.

Hybrids of cauliflower are in high demand world over due to their high yield potential, earliness, better quality, better resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Conventionally, hybrids are developed from the intercrossing of two diverse inbred parental lines which are developed through continuous inbreeding for 8-10 generations and still don't attain complete homozygosity. Doubled haploid technology on the other hand generate completely homozygous inbred lines in a single step. Therefore, a study was undertaken at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to develop a protocol for the development of doubled haploid lines in cauliflower. The anthers were excised from the flower buds of different genotypes viz. Jyoti, Pusa Sharad, Kartiki, CAUMH-2, CAUMH-10, LS-2, LS-3, and LS-5 followed by their culture on five different callus induction media compositions. Genotypes differed significantly in the ability to induce callus which was maximum in Jyoti followed by LS-2. Different media compositions also varied significantly in callus induction efficiency which was maximum on MS media+1.5 mg/L 2,4-D +1.0 mg/L NAA. Maximum shoot regeneration was recorded in genotype Kartiki followed by LS-2 when cultured on MS media+3.0 mg/L BAP+2.0 mg/L Kin. The regenerated shoots thus obtained were rooted on ½ MS media +1.0 mg/L IBA. Ploidy analysis of root tips revealed that 22.2% of the regenerated plantlets were haploids, 27.8% were spontaneous doubled haploids, 16.7% were tetraploids and remaining 33.3% were mixoploids.