METHODS FOR IMPROVING HAPLOID PLANT PRODUCTION AND CHROMOSOME DUPLICATION

Claims

This disclosure provides methods and compositions related to the production of haploid plants and haploid chromosome duplication. In one aspect, methods are provided for producing haploid plants (e.g., haploid sunflower plants) by limiting fertilization, including limiting double fertilization and / or self-fertilization. Fertilizer regimes, light regimes, formulations, and methods of delivery thereof for chromosome duplication are also provided.

1. A method for improving the production of haploids in a sunflower plant, wherein the method comprises: interrupting the development of pollen from pollen-producing tissues; or crossing the sunflower plant with pollen from a second plant wherein the sunflower plant is grown under high light intensity and / or long day length and a broad spectrum including UV light; or crossing the sunflower plant with pollen from a second plant wherein the sunflower plant is grown under high light intensity and / or long day length and a broad spectrum including UV light.

35. A method for chromosome duplication in cells in a haploid sunflower seedling, wherein the method comprises: contacting a seedling center of the haploid sunflower seedling with the composition of any one of claims 25-34; and maintaining the haploid sunflower seedling with the composition on it in a high humidity condition for a time sufficient for new tissue growth in the haploid sunflower seedling, the new tissue growth comprising diploid cells.