Influential factors in haploid embryo induction of triticale (× Triticosecale) through wide hybridization with maize (Zea mays L.)

Generating doubled haploids (DHs) is crucial for accelerating the breeding process and facilitating the creation of crop-mapping populations. Although other cultures or pollination techniques with Hordeum bulbosum have proven effective for haploid production in common wheat, similar efforts in triticale have met with limited success. Cross breeding with maize was employed to generate haploid seedlings and subsequently, fertile DHs in triticale. The current research investigates the effect of four different auxin treatments for postpollination application in triticale × maize crosses, using combinations of 2, 4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), silver nitrate and dicamba. Among the four treatments, T3 (2, 4-D + dicamba at 100 mg/L + 85 mg/L, respectively) and T4 (2, 4-D + dicamba at 100 mg/L + 100 mg/L, respectively) were the most effective in inducing haploid embryos and achieving plant regeneration. The frequencies of haploid embryo induction were 31.46% and 30.61%, while plant regeneration frequencies were 11.53% and 11.11%, respectively. Determination of the phytohormone combination and its concentration is vital to affecting haploid embryo induction in triticale (× Triticosecale). Following wide hybridization with maize (Zea mays L.) has opened new possibilities in the triticale breeding program.