The anther culture response is influenced by the following
factors: genotype, environmental factors affecting the physiological
stage of anther donor plants, stage of microspore
development, and physical and chemical conditions for anther
induction and plant regeneration. Maize genotypes differ with
respect to their amenability to anther culture. Obviously genetic
factors are important in determining the level of anther and
microspore culture response. The effects
of donor plant physiology and vigour on the frequency of anther
culture response have been explored .
Differences in response between field and greenhouse-grown
plants and between plants sown at various times during the year
indicate that donor plant physiology is a critical factor in anther
and microspore culture.