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Recurrent Selection for Regeneration Capacity from Immature Embryo-Derived Calli in Maize

Istituto di Agronomica e Coltivazioni Erbacee, Univ. of Bologna, Via Filippo Re 6–8, 40126 Bologna, Italy

^* Corresponding author.

Two cycles of recurrent selection to improve regeneration capacity from immature embryo-derived calli were implemented in the maize (Zea mays L.) double cross [(A188 x W64A) x (A634 x B79)]. The total number of shoots regenerated per embryo (TNSE) in two consecutive subcultures was the selection criterion. After two cycles of selection, TNSE increased from 0.82 to 1.50 (+83%). A significant but lower increase (from 37.5–46.3%) was also noticed for the percentage of callus surface with embryo-like structures (PCE) at 4 wk after explaining, while no response was observed for callus fresh weight (CFW). These results indicate that recurrent selection can be successfully utilized in maize to improve regeneration capacity and, indirectly, the proliferation of embryogenic callus. The selection process did not lead to a decline in variability among progenies of the selected populations for TNSE, CFW, and PCE, suggesting that these traits are controlled by polygenic systems. For TNSE the mean value of parental lines was very close to the mean value of the A188 x W64A and A634 x B79 F₂ generations and to the mean value of the source populations, indicating that the trait is mainly controlled by additive gene action. The limited indirect response to selection observed for PCE and CFW as well as low correlations of PCE and CFW with the trait under selection (TNSE) indicate that different sets of genes are likely involved in controlling expression of PCE and CFW.

Received for publication March 19, 1993.