Haploids are individuals with gametic chromosome number (n) or having a single set of chromosomes. Knowledge of the haploid number is useful in breeding and genetic studies. Haploids are used to produce double haploids (2n) where the chromosom number is doubled using chemicals. Chemicals such as colchicine or oryzalin interfere with tubulin formation during mitosis. Double halpoid (DH) facilitate the following:

• production of completely homozygous plants in a single generation
• disclosure, sgregation and fixation of the genetic variotion of an F1 generation;
• genetic analysis where efficient analysis and combination of multiple (recessive) genetic traits can be done;

Main Research: Dr Maria Madon