The effect of variations in media type and panicle length on the development of maize anther culture (Zea mays L. var. NK-212 and BISI-18)

The development of maize anther culture is strongly influenced by genetic factors and in vitro media conditions. This study aimed to determine the effects of varieties (NK-212 and BISI-18) and Yu-pei media forms (solid, liquid, and solid- liquid) on culture development based on color change, anther enlargement, and anther dehiscence. Panicles from each variety were grouped into three lengths (20, 25, and 30 cm), and the one with the highest percentage of viable microspores was selected. Selected panicles were given cold treatment at 7 C for 7 days, then cultured and incubated for eight weeks. Data were collected every two weeks. The results showed that varieties and media forms did not significantly affect anther development (p > 0.05). However, the solid- liquid medium tended to produce the highest responses in both varieties, with anther enlargement reaching 39.00% in NK-212 and 47.00% in BISI-18, and anther dehiscence reaching 30.67% in NK-212 and 36.33% in BISI-18. Anther color changed gradually from green to yellowish brown during incubation. Overall, anther culture development was more influenced by varietal genetic characteristics and incubation duration than by media form variation.