Genotypic variation in anther culture and effect of ovary coculture in durum wheat

The response of anthers to in vitro culture and the effect of coculture of ovaries on anther culturability have been studied in responsive and recalci trant cultivars of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) from Morocco and ICARDA. A large genotypic-dependence of anther culture has been shown i n 18 cultivars. Their response in term of callus and embryo induction varie d from 0 to 13%. Coculture of ovaries with anthers enhanced the response of the most responsive genotype (cv. Sarif) and removed the recalcitrance in Cocorit and Isly cultivars. However, there was no effect of anther-ovary co culture on green plant regeneration. The implication of the genome and the media conditioning by the ovaries on anther response is discussed.