Effects of Colchicine Applications on Embryo Yield and Spontaneous Chromosome Doubling in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Anther Culture

Authors : Beyza Nur Marangoz, Nuray Çömlekçioğlu, Ezgi Gürsoy, Büşra Yapici, Şeküre Şebnem Ellialtıoğlu

Pages : 76-90

Doi:10.53518/mjavl.1583740

View : 63 | Download : 58

Publication Date : 2025-06-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The haploidy technique starts with the production of haploid embryos and continues with the doubling of the chromosome set. Androgenic embryos can be either haploid (H) or spontan doubled haploid (SDH). Since haploid plants are sterile, anti-mitotic agents are applied at appropriate doses and durations to restore diploid status and fertility. Chromosome doubling can be induced in vivo with anti-mitotic agents, but this method is expensive, complex and time consuming. Therefore, spontaneous doubling of chromosomes during culture is preferred. In this study, the effects of colchicine use on embryo yield and embryo development in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) anther culture were investigated. Colchicine is a chemical agent that changes the cell division process by inhibiting microtubule formation in plant cells. Colchicine was applied to pepper anthers at concentrations of 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.6% in semi-solid and double-layer media for 14 and 21 days. Embryo and plant regeneration rates obtained according to media, colchicine dose and application duration were examined. According to the trial results, the highest embryo formation rate (21.03%) was obtained in the group treated with 0.6% colchicine dose for 14 days in semi-solid media. The development rates of embryos into plants varied depending on both colchicine doses and nutrient media used. Plants developed from embryos were grouped as haploid (H) and spontaneous double haploid (SDH) by examining the presence of pollen in flowers, seeds in fruits, stomata number and stomata characteristics. It was observed that the addition of colchicine to the medium had a very significant effect on the SDH plant ratio. The highest SDH plant ratio (74.28%) was obtained from the application of 0.6% colchicine for 21 days in semi-solid medium. On the other hand, the highest SDH plant ratio (69.05%) in double-layer media was determined in the application of 0.6% colchicine dose for 14 days. The SDH plant ratio obtained from embryos grown in colchicine-free medium was found to be 48.89% (14 days) and 44.74% (21 days). It can be concluded that colchicine application significantly enhances the production of SDH plants in pepper anther culture, with the most effective treatment being 0.6% colchicine for 21 days in a semi-solid medium.
Keywords : Haploidy, colchicine, anther culture, androgenesis, chromosome doubling

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