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: Understanding the Concept:
This is a factual, historical question about a milestone in plant tissue culture. It asks to identify the plant species in which gynogenesis (production of haploids from the female gametophyte) was first successfully demonstrated.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
While the production of haploids from male gametes (androgenesis, via anther culture) was first achieved by Guha and Maheshwari in Datura in 1964, the production of haploids from the female gametophyte (gynogenesis) came later.
In 1976, San Noeum published a groundbreaking paper reporting the successful production of haploid plants from the in vitro culture of unfertilized ovaries of Barley (Hordeum vulgare). This opened up an alternative pathway for haploid production, particularly for species where androgenesis was difficult.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The first successful culture of gynogenic haploids was achieved in Barley.