Prospects of Embryo Rescue in Developing Novel Brassica Genotypes

Abstract

Interspecific hybridization creates new genetic variants. Embryo formation and subsequently fertile seed development are the indicators of successful interspecific hybridization. Often interspecific hybridization is limited due to variations in genome and ploidy levels. The technique of embryo rescue is commonly used in interspecific hybridization to facilitate the survival of embryos from abortion. The effectiveness of an embryo rescue program in the Brassica species depends on embryo age, embryo development stage and media composition. Embryo rescue protocol could be effectively utilized to solve some major problems of the oilseed Brassica growers including blackleg, clubroot and Alternaria disease resistance, salinity, and drought tolerance etc. This review article discusses the prospects of developing novel Brassica hybrid genotypes with desirable traits through embryo rescue.