A Survey of the Anther Culture Response of Brassica oleracea L. Cultivars Grown Under Field Conditions

Abstract Anther culture studies were conducted on a wide variety of different vegetable Brassica oleracea L. cultivars grown under field conditions. Representative selections were included from different varieties including: broccoli, var. italica; heading broccoli, var. botrytis; Brussels sprouts, var. gemnifera; Chinese Kale, var. alboglabra; Kales, vars. acephala, medullosa, ramosa, selensia; cauliflower, var. botrytis; kohlrabi, var. gongylodes; and cabbage, vars. capitata and sabanda. At least some microspore derived embryos were recovered from the majority of cultivars tested; however, rates of embryo formation were sometimes lower than those obtained under controlled environmental conditions. In general the anther culture response was greatest for cabbage and other vegetables that required vernalization for flowering. Results were lower for materials exposed to high temperature stresses before culture. Nevertheless, it is clear that the use of anther culture procedures in breeding programs is possible without access to extensive controlled environmental facilities.