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Haploid Breeding Technique for Flax¹

A haploid breeding technique for flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) using a twin seedling character is described. The haploid twin can be distinguished from the diploid twin by seedling size 3 days after germination, plant height at any growth stage, and by the production of sterile flowers. The twinning frequency of 54 random entries from the USDA World Flax Collection was 1 set to 5,869 normal seed; a workable level in a flax cultivar development program. Use of a flax rust [Melampsora lint (Ehrenb.) Lev.] resistance marker gene showed the haploid twin to be of maternal origin, presumably produced by apogamety. In a breeding program this indicates haploid selection and doubling could be conducted in the F₂ to allow for genetic recombination. A 16-month breeding program to produce completely homozygous breeding lines ready for field evaluation is described. This developmental period includes screening for rust resistance and selection for oil content and quality.

Key Words: Linum usitatissimum L. • Twin seedling • Doubled haploid • Autodiploid • Cultivar development

² Research geneticist, USDA Southwestern Great Plains Research Center, Bushland, TX 79012.

Received for publication February 5, 1977.