Abstract
The possibilities for application of embryo culture as a practical method and an alternative for obtaining hybrids from different crosses of cultivated maize (Zea mays L.) with wild related forms (Tripsacum dactyloides L) were explored. Obtaining such hybrids is of a particular interest for breeding, but the wide-spread conventional techniques rarely succeed in producing them. The present study aims at analyzing the performance of the tested genotypes grown in vitro and at clarifying some of the key elements of their development when grown on artificial media. The effects of different combinations of plant hormones on young immature embryos were evaluated based on the main medium of Chu (N6). The results were used to optimize both the nutritive media content and the conditions for obtaining hybrid progeny from the desired crosses. The medium containing 0.00044 μmol 2,4-D in combination with 0.00011 μmol kinetin was found to exert the most favourable effect on the regeneration processes.
Keywords: Zea mays, Tripsacum dactyloides, embryo rescue, regeneration, interspecific hybridsation, hybrids.