Investigation of the medium for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) immature embryo culture

Abstract

Germination of immature embryos of interspecific crosses in vitro is the most important problem in barley breeding programs. The effect of four media types (MS, ½ MS, B-5, ½ B-5 on immature embryo culture of nine barley varieties (Sameer, Buraq, Aksad, Shuaa, Arevat, Alwarkaa, Alhadher, Amel, and Rihan) was studied by using completely randomized design (C.R.D.) with six replicates. Analysis of variance showed highly significant effects due to varieties, media, and interaction for all studied characteristics, indicated high variation among varieties and media. Aksad variety was significantly superior to all varieties for all studied traits except root number (RN). Medium of ½ B-5 was significantly superior to all media for all studied traits. Aksad interactions with media except B-5 media gave full germination with highly significant superiority over all interactions. Aksad x ½ B-5 interaction showed a highly significant superiority for shoot length (SL) and RL. As a result, ½ B-5 medium was the efficient medium for germination of immature embryos of most varieties. These varieties could be used in breeding program of interspecific crosses with wild species by using ½ B-5 medium.