Rice Doubled Haploids and Breeding

Cell- and tissue culture methods in combination with conventional breeding process were suitable way to produce new varieties. These applications gave new breeding alternatives to release competitive genotypes in comparison with traditional ones. To the breeding of 'Risabell' (1997) DH lines were produced via anther culture from F 2 population of a single cross combination. The new vari- ety was improved for resistance to blast disease, high milling and cooking quality and long grain type. In case of 'Janka' (2003) haploid cell cultures were developed and their vigorous regenerants were colchicine treated. One of the best fertile lines was released as 'Janka' has vigorous seedling growth, drought tolerance and good grain quality. The variety 'Abel' (2005) was improved through somatic tissue cul- ture regeneration followed by anther culture. Main characteristics of this variety are earliness, early stage cold tolerance and good performance in aerobic conditions. The breeding-processes of these State approved rice varieties demonstrate the suc- cessful integration of biotechnological methods and pedigree-breeding.