A Review of Research Progress in Rice Anther Culture

Conventional rice breeding predominantly relies on hybridization techniques, with hybrid progenies typically requiring 8 to 10 generations of selfing to achieve genetically stable homozygous lines. In contrast, haploid breeding enables the derivation of stable doubled haploid (DH) lines from hybrid progeny in just one generation, substantially shortening the breeding cycle. Haploid breeding comprises two core steps: haploid induction and chromosome doubling, with efficient haploid induction being pivotal to the success of this technology. Currently, anther culture, due to its relatively mature and stable protocol, has become the primary method for obtaining haploids in rice haploid breeding. This review systematically summarizes the research progress in rice anther culture, focusing on the fundamental steps and applications of haploid breeding, the developmental history of anther culture, factors influencing anther culture efficiency and their underlying genetic mechanisms, current challenges and potential countermeasures, and future prospects for rice anther culture technology.