Doubled Haploids in Crop Improvement: Unraveling Strategies, Advancements and Prospects for Enhanced Genetics

Doubled haploids (DH) have emerged as a powerful tool in crop improvement programs, enabling rapid generation of homozygous lines for accelerated genetic enhancement. This review explores the strategies, advancements, and prospects associated with doubled haploids in the context of crop improvement. The first section provides an overview of the principles behind doubled haploidy, including the induction methods and techniques used to obtain doubled haploid plants. Different approaches such as anther culture, microspore culture and in vitro fertilization techniques are discussed, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and applicability across various crop species. The second section delves into the recent advancements in doubled haploid technology. It examines novel techniques for haploid induction and chromosome doubling, including genetic and molecular approaches, biotechnological interventions, and the use of chemical agents. The role of innovative technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, and marker-assisted selection in enhancing the efficiency and precision of doubled haploid production is also explored. The third section focuses on the utilization of doubled haploids in crop improvement. It discusses the potential applications of doubled haploids in various breeding objectives, such as the development of superior varieties, acceleration of breeding cycles, trait introgression and elucidation of genetic mechanisms. The role of doubled haploids in facilitating the incorporation of desirable genes, promoting genetic diversity, and enhancing crop adaptation to changing environmental conditions is highlighted. Lastly, the review addresses the prospects and future directions of doubled haploids in crop improvement. It outlines emerging technologies, such as genome editing and gene stacking, and their potential integration with doubled haploid systems. In conclusion, doubled haploids have revolutionized crop improvement by offering an efficient means to obtain homozygous lines in a single generation.