In the last three decades, research on soybean microspore embryogenesis was restricted to anther culture, which presents limitations such as the small number of responsive microspores and the high embryogenic potential of sporophytic tissues. Therefore, a sequence of studies was performed to establish appropriate conditions for the isolation and culture of soybean microspores and pollen grains as an alternative to anther culture. First, a pollen and microspore isolation technique was developed using floral buds from four soybean cultivars (Bragg, IAS 5, MG/BR-46 Conquista and BRSMT Uirapuru). This technique allowed the establishment of cultures with satisfactory density and characteristics. Subsequently, different culture conditions were tested. Although B5 and MS media have been currently recommended for soybean anther culture, the best result was obtained in PTA-15 modified medium, with the formation of enlarged microspores and 0.4% of multicellular pollen grains in the cultivar BRSMT Uirapuru.
Androgenesis; Glycine max; microspore culture; microspore embryogenesis; microspore isolation; soybean
