Question

San Noeum first successfully cultured gynogenic haploid plants from unfertilized ovaries of -

• A. Maize
• B. Barley
• C. Wheat
• D. Rice

Hint:

For exams, it's useful to remember key "firsts" in biotechnology: Anther culture (Androgenesis): Guha & Maheshwari in {Datura}. Ovary culture (Gynogenesis): San Noeum in {Barley}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Overview:
This question concerns a significant achievement in plant tissue culture: the first successful demonstration of gynogenesis (development of haploids from the female gametophyte) in a specific plant species. The task is to identify that species.
Step 2: Elaboration:
Androgenesis (haploid production from male gametes via anther culture) was initially accomplished in Datura by Guha and Maheshwari in 1964. Gynogenesis, using the female gametophyte, followed later.
In 1976, San Noeum's publication detailed the successful generation of haploid plants from in vitro culture of unfertilized Barley (Hordeum vulgare) ovaries. This provided another method for haploid production, particularly valuable when androgenesis is challenging.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Gynogenic haploids were first successfully cultured in Barley.