ISSN 2375-074X
African Journal of Plant Breeding ISSN: 2375-074X Vol. 4 (4), pp. 201-213, November, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Production and use of haploids and doubled haploid in maize breeding: A review
Charity Chidzanga1*, Faith Muzawazi2, Joanah Midzi3 and Tendai Hove2
1Hilbright Science College, Avondale Campus 128 King George Road, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
2Biotechnology Research Institute, Scientific Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) 1574 Alpes Road, Hatcliffe Extension, Harare, Zimbabwe.
3Department of Agronomy, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel. +254 734887700/+254 723167664.
Accepted 06 October, 2017
Abstract
Haploids and doubled haploids (DH) have become effective tools in maize genetics and breeding. The DH technology is replacing the conventional method of line development and speeding up the process of obtaining new varieties. Numerous maize DH based inbred lines and hybrids have been developed and released around the world. Temperate maize breeding programs have taken the lead in adopting the DH technology while in the tropical maize breeding uptake is still hampered by limited awareness of the potential and applicability of the technology. There are various methods for haploid induction, identification of putative haploids and chromosome doubling. However the effective and efficient large scale use of the DH technology depends on the most effective, sustainable and efficient methods of haploid induction, identification of putative haploids and chromosome doubling. The most commonly used method for haploid induction is in vivo haploid induction of maternal haploids through the use of inducer lines. The R1-nj marker system for haploid identification and chromosome doubling through the use of various concentrations of colchicine are considered the most common methods of identifying putative haploids and chromosome doubling respectively. Herein, they reviewed (i) the various procedures available for DH production, (ii) the methods for identifying putative maize haploids (iii) chromosome doubling methods (iv) the genetic basis of in vivo haploid induction in maize and (v) the use of the DH technology in maize breeding.
Key words: Haploids, doubled Haploids, haploid induction, chromosome doubling, identification of putative haploids.