High frequency callus induction through anther culture in high oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Anther culture is one of the popular methods for pure line production in a short time, but its success depends on medium composition and culture environment. This research aimed to determine a suitable medium and the optimal culture condition for high callus induction from anthers of high oil sunflower. The anthers of two sunflower varieties, 9B and 12B, in the R5.1 stage were cultured on modified MS media, A1-A5, in light and dark conditions for 21 days. The results showed that callus formation was only observed from medium supplemented with plant growth regulators. Significant differences were observed among genotypes as well as culture media in respect of callus induction. However, light did not significantly affect callus induction and size but slight greening of calli was observed at 21 days after culture which can be further developed into embryogenic calli. The variety 9B showed higher callus induction percentage (23.75% to 99%) than variety 12B (9% to 26.25%). Result also showed that A5 medium under the light condition was the best medium to induce the highest callus formation of variety 9B (99%). The rate of success could be enhanced by improving the composition of culture medium, especially by manipulating plant growth regulators and CH. Five different modified MS media, B1-B5, under light condition were further tested for callus induction. The highest percentage of callus formation was achieved with B3 medium containing 500 mg/l CH, 2 mg/l NAA and 1 mg/l BAP followed by B5 and B2 which were 100, 97.5 and 87.5%, respectively.