Advances in hybrid wheat seed production system

Abstract

In hybrid seed production especially in self-pollinating crops, key role is played by precise control over pollen fertility. A number of techniques such as emasculation, male sterility, XYZ system and biotechnological approaches for pollen abortion have been proposed to prevent autogamy in female parental lines of wheat to facilitate hybrid seed production. However, use of these techniques are limited by restricted outcrossing behavior of wheat crop which can be improved by redesigning the floral architecture. In development of hybrid wheat, the novel approach of split gene system and redesigning the floral architecture could be a potent alternative. This manuscript provides an explicit information on the various techniques used in hybrid seed production in wheat and hopefully be a valuable resource in guiding future hybrid breeding programmes in wheat.