Research Objective
Global climate change generates even higher demands on the quick release of new varieties, while Doubled Haploids (DHs) can significantly reduce the time for breeders to speed up the development of new varieties. Instead of five to six generations to have new traits fixed, the DH method only needs one generation. The wide range of applications of DHs and the advantages of employing DH technology benefit the industries when DH technologies are available, such as in the canola and corn industries. However, pulse crops are generally considered recalcitrant toward the technology, and no efficient DH protocol is available for any of the pulse crops. Epigenetic regulation is involved in diverse growth and developmental processes, including somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. DH production through microspore culture is a broadly used method for crop species as compared to other methods. Supplementing epigenetic chemicals into the culture has shown increased DH induction in cereal crops and Brassicas from the research done at the NRC and other research groups. NRC’s recent work also showed beneficial effects of epigenetic chemicals in DH induction in peas. Therefore, in this proof-of-concept project, we evaluated six different pulse species (lentil, chickpea, faba bean, dry bean, soybean, and fenugreek) for their DH induction responses towards epigenetic chemicals, using pea as a control. The knowledge and insights gained from this project will help formulate a more targeted approach to DH technology development in pulse crops.
Where and how was the research conducted?
Plants were grown in growth cabinets and lab studies were conducted in Saskatoon, SK.
Why?
Epigenetic chemicals benefit DH induction in other species, such as wheat, barley, and Brassicas, as well as pea from NRC’s in-house study. Pulse crops are recalcitrant to DH technology, therefore, we aimed to understand if epigenetic chemicals would promote DH induction responses in six difference pulse species.
Results showed that the effects of epigenetic chemicals were species-dependent, with interactions between genotypes and the chemicals. Positive responses, including advanced microspore development in crops such as pea, chickpea, and faba bean, underscore the potential to build on the knowledge gained from this project for a more targeted approach on DH technology development in pulse crops. Establishing DH technology for pulse crops could transform breeding programs by enabling the rapid development of new cultivars with desirable traits, such as higher yields, improved stress tolerance, and enhanced quality.