Molecular Investigations on the Doubled Haploid Origin of Sunflower Lines (Helianthus Annuus L.) Developed Through Gamma-Induced Parthenogenesis

ABSTRACT

Using microsatellite markers (SSR), the doubled haploid origin of diploid plants developed by the method of gamma-induced parthenogenesis from hybrid Albena, was investigated. Two co-dominant loci were characterized in the progeny of the analyzed diploid plants. Fertility restorer line 937 R was used as a pollen source. Pollen was irradiated with gamma rays at dose 700 Gy. Isolation and cultivation of the formed embryos was carried out by the methodology used in sunflower (1). In both investigated loci, the allele specific for the pollen source was not observed in the analyzed lines, which is an evidence that the pollen did not participate with its own genetic material in the formation and development processes of these plants. In parallel, SSR analysis showed that the progeny of the investigated plants was homozygotic in both loci. The data suggest doubled haploid origin of the diploid plants from hybrid Albena developed as a result form the use of irradiated pollen in combination with embryo culture.