EFFECTS OF LIGHT REGIMES ON ANTHER CULTURE RESPONSE IN BREAD WHEAT

This experiment was initiated to further test the effects of light reg imes during callus induction and plant regeneration on anther culture response of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Spring wheat cultivar s 'Edwall' and 'WA 7176' with high callus induction from anther cultur e but low green plant production were used. Different gro-lux light an d dark regimes during callus induction, and gro-lux light and fluoresc ent light regimes during plant regeneration were used. Callus inductio n decreased significantly at relatively high light intensity (315 mu m ol m(-2) s(-1)) applied at any period of culture when compared to cont inuous dark. Light regimes used continuously and from the 15(th) to th e last day of callus induction also had a significant negative effect on plant regeneration compared to continuous dark and light applicatio n in the first half of callus induction. During plant regeneration, '1 5 day dark +7 day gro-lux light' significantly increased plant regener ation compared to both 'gro-lux' and 'fluorescent light' regimes. Ligh t significant on green plant proportion and green plant yield. 'Contin uous light' application during callus induction increased green plant proportion more than other applications in contrast to its negative ef fect on plant regeneration. During plant regeneration, '15 day dark +7 day gro-lux light' had the higher green plant proportion compared to only 'fluorescent light' and only 'gro-lux light'. The highest green p lant yields were obtained from '15 day dark +7 day gro-lux light' duri ng plant regeneration in combination with either 'continuous dark' or 'continuous light' regimes during callus induction.