An efficient and easy-to-use protocol for induction of haploids in cucumber through parthenogenic embryo development.

Background: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a model crop to study cell biology, including the development of haploids and doubled haploids in vegetable crops. In plant breeding, haploid and doubled haploids are valuable tools for developing pure homozygous inbred lines and accelerating genetic progress by reducing the time required for breeding cycles. Besides, the haploids are also valuable in genomic studies. We are reporting the induction of haploids in cucumber involving gynoecious and parthenocarpic genotypes for the first time. This study aimed to assess the efficient induction of haploids through pollination with gamma-irradiated pollen in cucumber. The effect of gamma irradiation dose on pollen viability and germination, fruit setting percentage, seed development, and haploid embryo development in cucumber hybrid genotypes were studied in detail. The goal was to utilize this information to produce haploid plants for genomics and transformation works in this model vegetable crop.

Results: Pollination was done on six cucumber genotypes using varying doses of gamma rays (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Gy). Genotypes, doses of irradiation, and embryo developmental stage influenced the successful generation of in-vitro haploid plants. The optimal timeframe for embryo rescue was found to be 25 to 30 days after pollination. Haploid embryos were effectively induced using irradiated pollen at 400 to 500 Gy doses. Parthenogenetic plantlets were analyzed, and their ploidy level was confirmed through stomatal physiology, cytology (mitosis), and flow cytometry methods.

Conclusion: Through parthenogenic embryo development, it is possible to induce a large number of haploids in cucumber. This technique's power lies in its ability to streamline the breeding process, enhance genetic gain, and produce superior cultivars that contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security.