Genotypic and exogenous factors affecting linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) anther culture

The linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a significant oilseed crop in many regions of the world, particularly in cool temperate environments. Rapid breeding techniques could accelerate the production of new linseed cultivars with characters that are adapted to the current demands of industry, opening new markets for this crop. In the present study, the effects of genotype and induction medium compositions on linseed anther culture were investigated in order to improve the efficiency of callus induction and plant regeneration. Variable callogenic responses were expressed by all of the genotypes tested on different induction media. The results suggested that specific combination of growth regulators for callus induction must be designed for each genotype. Shoot regeneration from anther-derived callus is a critical phase of the whole androgenic process. Differences in adventitious shoot formation frequency among genotypes were demonstrated and four responsive genotypes have been selected. Anther-derived callus from cultivar ‘Dnepr-2’ manifested the highest adventitious shoot formation frequency while highest number of shoots per explant has been obtained for cultivar ‘Mikael’ with a high number of shoots per explant. The optimal culture medium composition for shoot regeneration was shown to depend on the genotype. Cultivars ‘Lirina’ and ‘Barbara’ showed the highest shoot regeneration frequency when callus had originated from induction medium with 2 mg l-1 BAP and 1 mg l-1 NAA supplemented with 3% sucrose +3% maltose and 6% sucrose, respectively. While combination of 1 mg l-1 BAP and 2 mg l-1 IAA promoted shoot formation in anther-derived callus of cultivar ‘Dnepr-2’ in the induction medium with 6% sucrose and of cultivar ‘Mikael’ in the medium with 3% sucrose +3% maltose.