Search

Key Message: Increased efficiencies achieved in different steps of DH line production offer greater benefits to maize breeding programs. Doubled haploid (DH) technology has become an integral part of many commercial maize breeding programs as DH lines offer several economic, logistic and genetic benefits over conventional inbred lines. Further, new advances in DH technology continue to improve the efficiency of DH line development and fuel its increased adoption in breeding programs worldwide. The established method for maize DH production covered in this review involves in vivo induction of maternal haploids by a male haploid inducer genotype, identification of haploids from diploids at the seed or seedling stage, chromosome doubling of haploid (D 0 ) seedlings and finally, selfing of fertile D 0 plants. Development of haploid inducers with high haploid induction rates and adaptation to different target environments have facilitated increased adoption of DH technology in the tropics. New marker systems for haploid identification, such as the red root marker and high oil marker, are being increasingly integrated into new haploid inducers and have the potential to make DH technology accessible in germplasm such as some Flint, landrace, or tropical material, where the standard R1-nj marker is inhibited. Automation holds great promise to further reduce the cost and time in haploid identification. Increasing success rates in chromosome doubling protocols and/or reducing environmental and human toxicity of chromosome doubling protocols, including research on genetic improvement in spontaneous chromosome doubling, have the potential to greatly reduce the production costs per DH line.

Key Message: Among the qhir11 and qhir12 sub-regions of a major QTL qhir1, only qhir11 has significant effect on maternal haploid induction, segregation distortion and kernel abortion. In vivo haploid induction in maize can be triggered in high frequencies by pollination with special genetic stocks called haploid inducers. Several genetic studies with segregating populations from non-inducer x inducer crosses identified a major QTL, qhir1, on chromosome 1.04 contributing to in vivo haploid induction. A recent Genome Wide Association Study using 51 inducers and 1482 non-inducers also identified two sub-regions within the qhir1 QTL region, named qhir11 and qhir12; qhir12 was proposed to be mandatory for haploid induction because the haplotype of qhir11 was also present in some non-inducers and putative candidate genes coding for DNA and amino acid binding proteins were identified in the qhir12 region. To characterize the effects of each sub-region of qhir1 on haploid induction rate, F 2 recombinants segregating for one of the sub-regions and fixed for the other were identified in a cross between CML269 (non-inducer) and a tropicalized haploid inducer TAIL8. To quantify the haploid induction effects of qhir11 and qhir12, selfed progenies of recombinants between these sub-regions were genotyped. F 3 plants homozygous for qhir11 and/or qhir12 were identified, and crossed to a ligueless tester to determine their haploid induction rates. The study revealed that only the qhir11 sub-region has a significant effect on haploid induction ability, besides causing significant segregation distortion and kernel abortion, traits that are strongly associated with maternal haploid induction. The results presented in this study can guide fine mapping efforts of qhir1 and in developing new inducers efficiently using marker assisted selection.

In vivo haploid induction (HI) triggered by pollination with special intraspecific genotypes, called inducers, is unique to Zea maysL. within the plant kingdom and has revolutionized maize breeding during the last decade. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HI in maize are still unclear. To investigate the genetic basis of HI, we developed a new approach for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), termed conditional haplotype extension (CHE) test that allows detection of selective sweeps even under almost perfect confounding of population structure and trait expression. Here, we applied this test to identify genomic regions required for HI expression and dissected the combined support interval (50.34 Mb) of the QTL qhir1, detected in a previous study, into two closely linked genomic segments relevant for HI expression. The first, termed qhir11(0.54 Mb), comprises an already fine-mapped region but was not diagnostic for differentiating inducers and noninducers. The second segment, termed qhir12(3.97 Mb), had a haplotype allele common to all 53 inducer lines but not found in any of the 1482 noninducers. By comparing resequencing data of one inducer with 14 noninducers, we detected in the qhir12 region three candidate genes involved in DNA or amino acid binding, however, none for qhir11 We propose that the CHE test can be utilized in introgression breeding and different fields of genetics to detect selective sweeps in heterogeneous genetic backgrounds., (Copyright © 2016 by the Genetics Society of America.)

Key Message: R1-nj anthocyanin marker inhibition is highly frequent in tropical maize germplasm considerably affecting efficiency of haploid identification. Molecular markers reliably differentiating germplasm with anthocyanin color inhibitor have been identified in this study. The R1-Navajo (R1-nj) color marker facilitates easy and quick identification of haploid kernels at the seed stage during in vivo haploid induction process in maize. However, the Navajo phenotype can be completely suppressed or poorly expressed in some germplasm, making it impossible or inefficient to identify haploids at the seed stage. In this study, we characterized the expression of R1-nj marker in a large array of tropical/subtropical inbred lines, breeding populations and landraces by crossing with the R1-nj-based tropicalized haploid inducer. There was a high frequency of inhibition of the Navajo phenotype in the maize inbred lines, which are used in tropical breeding programs. Genome-wide association mapping showed that the C1 anthocyanin regulatory locus is the most significant genetic factor influencing inhibition of the Navajo phenotype. Molecular marker assays were designed based on polymorphism in the C1 vs C1-I alleles. Analysis of a set of 714 inbred lines demonstrated that a combination of two gene-specific markers--8 bp C1-I InDel and C1-I SNP--could predict with high accuracy the presence of anthocyanin color inhibition in the germplasm analyzed. Information generated in this study aids in making informed decisions on the constitution of source populations for doubled haploid (DH) line development in tropical germplasm, particularly those derived from elite maize lines from CIMMYT. The C1-I gene-specific molecular markers identified and validated will facilitate high-throughput and cost-effective evaluation of a large pool of germplasm for the presence of the dominant color inhibitor in maize germplasm.

Doubled haploid (DH) technology has become integral to maize breeding programs to expedite inbred line development and increase the efficiency of breeding operations. Unlike many other plant species that use in vitro methods, DH production in maize uses a relatively simple and efficient in vivo haploid induction method. However, it takes two complete crop cycles for DH line generation, one for haploid induction and the other one for chromosome doubling and seed production. Rescuing in vivo induced haploid embryos has the potential to reduce the time for DH line development and improve the efficiency of DH line production. However, the identification of a few haploid embryos (~10%) resulting from an induction cross from the rest of the diploid embryos is a challenge. In this study, we demonstrated that an anthocyanin marker, namely R1-nj, which is integrated into most haploid inducers, can aid in distinguishing haploid and diploid embryos. Further, we tested conditions that enhance R1-nj anthocyanin marker expression in embryos and found that light and sucrose enhance anthocyanin expression, while phosphorous deprivation in the media had no affect. Validating the use of the R1-nj marker for haploid and diploid embryo identification using a gold standard classification based on visual differences among haploids and diploids for characteristics such as seedling vigor, erectness of leaves, tassel fertility, etc., indicated that the R1-nj marker could lead to significantly high false positives, necessitating the use of additional markers for increased accuracy and reliability of haploid embryo identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Message: Increased efficiencies achieved in different steps of DH line production offer greater benefits to maize breeding programs. Doubled haploid (DH) technology has become an integral part of many commercial maize breeding programs as DH lines offer several economic, logistic and genetic benefits over conventional inbred lines. Further, new advances in DH technology continue to improve the efficiency of DH line development and fuel its increased adoption in breeding programs worldwide. The established method for maize DH production covered in this review involves in vivo induction of maternal haploids by a male haploid inducer genotype, identification of haploids from diploids at the seed or seedling stage, chromosome doubling of haploid (D0) seedlings and finally, selfing of fertile D0 plants. Development of haploid inducers with high haploid induction rates and adaptation to different target environments have facilitated increased adoption of DH technology in the tropics. New marker systems for haploid identification, such as the red root marker and high oil marker, are being increasingly integrated into new haploid inducers and have the potential to make DH technology accessible in germplasm such as some Flint, landrace, or tropical material, where the standard R1-nj marker is inhibited. Automation holds great promise to further reduce the cost and time in haploid identification. Increasing success rates in chromosome doubling protocols and/or reducing environmental and human toxicity of chromosome doubling protocols, including research on genetic improvement in spontaneous chromosome doubling, have the potential to greatly reduce the production costs per DH line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Among the qhir11 and qhir12 sub-regions of a major QTL qhir1, only qhir11 has significant effect on maternal haploid induction, segregation distortion and kernel abortion. Abstract: In vivo haploid induction in maize can be triggered in high frequencies by pollination with special genetic stocks called haploid inducers. Several genetic studies with segregating populations from non-inducer x inducer crosses identified a major QTL, qhir1, on chromosome 1.04 contributing to in vivo haploid induction. A recent Genome Wide Association Study using 51 inducers and 1482 non-inducers also identified two sub-regions within the qhir1 QTL region, named qhir11 and qhir12; qhir12 was proposed to be mandatory for haploid induction because the haplotype of qhir11 was also present in some non-inducers and putative candidate genes coding for DNA and amino acid binding proteins were identified in the qhir12 region. To characterize the effects of each sub-region of qhir1 on haploid induction rate, F recombinants segregating for one of the sub-regions and fixed for the other were identified in a cross between CML269 (non-inducer) and a tropicalized haploid inducer TAIL8. To quantify the haploid induction effects of qhir11 and qhir12, selfed progenies of recombinants between these sub-regions were genotyped. F plants homozygous for qhir11 and/or qhir12 were identified, and crossed to a ligueless tester to determine their haploid induction rates. The study revealed that only the qhir11 sub-region has a significant effect on haploid induction ability, besides causing significant segregation distortion and kernel abortion, traits that are strongly associated with maternal haploid induction. The results presented in this study can guide fine mapping efforts of qhir1 and in developing new inducers efficiently using marker assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the critical limitations for the in vivo production of doubled haploid (DH) lines in maize (Zea mays L.) is the inability to effectively identify haploids in a significant proportion of induction crosses due to the possibility of complete or partial inhibition of the currently used R1-nj (Navajo) color marker. In this study, we demonstrate that the R1-nj marker could result in a high proportion of false positives among the haploids identified, besides being ineffective in germplasm with natural anthocyanin expression in pericarp tissue. To address these limitations, we developed haploid inducer lines with triple anthocyanin color markers, including the expression of anthocyanin coloration in the seedling roots and leaf sheaths, in addition to the Navajo marker on the seed. Although these inducers show acceptable haploid induction rates ranging from 8.6 to 10.2%, they exhibited relatively poor agronomic performance compared with tropicalized haploid inducers within tropical environments. The addition of the red root marker more accurately identified haploids among the germinating seedlings, including four tropical inbred lines and eight breeding populations that showed complete inhibition of R1-nj. We also demonstrate that the red root marker can be used for haploid identification in germplasm with natural anthocyanin expression in the pericarp. A survey of 546 tropical inbreds and 244 landraces showed that anthocyanin accumulation in the roots of germinating seedlings is very rare compared with anthocyanin accumulation in the seed and leaf sheath tissues. As a result, the red root marker can serve as a highly complementary marker to R1-nj to enable effective identification of haploids within a wide range of tropical maize germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: R1- nj anthocyanin marker inhibition is highly frequent in tropical maize germplasm considerably affecting efficiency of haploid identification. Molecular markers reliably differentiating germplasm with anthocyanin color inhibitor have been identified in this study. Abstract: The R1- Navajo ( R1- nj) color marker facilitates easy and quick identification of haploid kernels at the seed stage during in vivo haploid induction process in maize. However, the Navajo phenotype can be completely suppressed or poorly expressed in some germplasm, making it impossible or inefficient to identify haploids at the seed stage. In this study, we characterized the expression of R1- nj marker in a large array of tropical/subtropical inbred lines, breeding populations and landraces by crossing with the R1- nj-based tropicalized haploid inducer. There was a high frequency of inhibition of the Navajo phenotype in the maize inbred lines, which are used in tropical breeding programs. Genome-wide association mapping showed that the C1 anthocyanin regulatory locus is the most significant genetic factor influencing inhibition of the Navajo phenotype. Molecular marker assays were designed based on polymorphism in the C1 vs C1- I alleles. Analysis of a set of 714 inbred lines demonstrated that a combination of two gene-specific markers-8 bp C1- I InDel and C1- I SNP-could predict with high accuracy the presence of anthocyanin color inhibition in the germplasm analyzed. Information generated in this study aids in making informed decisions on the constitution of source populations for doubled haploid (DH) line development in tropical germplasm, particularly those derived from elite maize lines from CIMMYT. The C1- I gene-specific molecular markers identified and validated will facilitate high-throughput and cost-effective evaluation of a large pool of germplasm for the presence of the dominant color inhibitor in maize germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production and use of doubled haploids (DH) is becoming an essential part of maize breeding programs worldwide as DH lines offer several advantages in line development and evaluation. One of the critical steps in maize DH line production is doubling the chromosomes of in vivo-derived haploids so that naturally sterile haploids become reproductively fertile diploids (DH) to produce seed. This step of artificially doubling the chromosomes is labor-intensive and costly; hence, optimizing protocols to improve the doubling success is critical for achieving efficiencies in the DH production pipelines. Immersion of 3–4-day old germinating haploid seedlings in colchicine solution is commonly used for chromosome doubling in large-scale maize DH line production. This manuscript presents a new method of colchicine application to haploid seedlings that showed superior doubling rates compared to other methods like standard seedling immersion, seed immersion, root immersion, and direct application of colchicine solution to the seedlings at V2 stage in the greenhouse trays. The new method involves immersing the crown region of the haploid seedlings along with all the seedling roots at V2 stage in the colchicine solution. Further experiments to optimize this method indicated that increasing colchicine concentration had a very positive effect on overall success rate in chromosomal doubling, while not drastically affecting survival rate. The optimized method showed on average 5.6 times higher overall success rate (OSR) compared to the standard haploid seedling immersion method which was the second-best method in our experiments. This improved method of colchicine application saves resources by reducing the number of haploids to be generated and handled in a maize DH production pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient production and use of doubled haploid lines can greatly accelerate genetic gains in maize breeding programs. One of the critical steps in standard doubled haploid line production is doubling the haploid genome using toxic and costly mitosis-inhibiting chemicals to achieve fertility in haploids. Alternatively, fertility may be spontaneously restored by natural chromosomal doubling, although generally at a rate too low for practical applications in most germplasm. This is the first large-scale genome-wise association study to analyze spontaneous chromosome doubling in haploids derived from tropical maize inbred lines. Induction crosses between tropicalized haploid inducers and 400 inbred lines were made, and the resulting haploid plants were assessed for haploid male fertility which refers to pollen production and haploid fertility which refers to seed production upon self-fertilization. A small number of genotypes were highly fertile and these fertility traits were highly heritable. Agronomic traits like plant height, ear height and tassel branch number were positively correlated with fertility traits. In contrast, haploid induction rate of the source germplasm and plant aspect were not correlated to fertility traits. Several genomic regions and candidate genes were identified that may control spontaneous fertility restoration. Overall, the study revealed the presence of large variation for both haploid male fertility and haploid fertility which can be potentially exploited for improving the efficiency of doubled haploid derivation in tropical maize germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]