Question

The first androgenic haploid plant product by anther culture was from -

• A. Soybean
• B. Datura
• C. Potato
• D. Barley

Hint:

Associate the pioneering work of {Guha and Maheshwari (1964)} with the first successful anther culture and haploid production in the plant {{Datura}}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Androgenesis is the development of a haploid plant from the male gametophyte (microspore or pollen). The question asks for the plant species in which this was first successfully demonstrated using anther culture.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The landmark discovery of producing haploid plants through anther culture was made by two Indian scientists, Sipra Guha and Satish C. Maheshwari, in 1964. They conducted their experiments on the plant {Datura innoxia} (thorn apple). They successfully cultured excised anthers and observed the development of embryos directly from the microspores within the anthers. This achievement opened the door for haploid breeding in many other crop species.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The first androgenic haploid plants were produced from Datura.