Changing fates: rewiring gene expression in barley androgenesis

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In barley, it is possible to obtain plants derived from a single immature microspore, the type of cell that usually leads to the production of pollen grains. This is termed androgenesis, i.e. the process of obtaining a plant carrying only the genetic material (chromosomes) of the male parent. Indeed, microspores only carry a single copy of each barley chromosome, contrary to the pair normally carried in the barley plant. If this situation remains unchanged throughout the entire development of the plant derived from this microspore, it will result in these plants being sterile. Fortunately, a majority of the plants regenerated from immature microspores via androgenesis will undergo a spontaneous doubling of their chromosomes, thus restoring fertility. Such plants are termed "doubled haploid" and are highly valuable tools in both genetic analysis and breeding. Indeed, androgenesis is often used in plant breeding to expedite the development of new and improved varieties.