Abstract

Haploids are sporophytic plants with gametophytic chromosome number, and they originate from a single gamete. The chromosome number of haploid could be doubled spontaneously or artificially to obtain doubled haploids carrying two sets of chromosomes from a single parent (homozygous). The important use of haploids is based on the fact that marked improvements in the economics of plant breeding can be achieved through doubled haploid production, since selection and other procedural efficiencies can be markedly improved through the provision of elite true-breeding (homozygous) progenies. Haploids have value in allowing the isolation of mutants, which may be masked in a diploid, particularly where the mutant allele is non-functional. Haploids also have value in transformation programmes. If haploids are transformed directly, then true breeding diploid transgenic plants can be produced in one step, following doubling of chromosomes. Using an integrated approach, including biotechnological tools and conventional methods, it is possible to achieve main goals of crop improvement in short time. Hence, efforts were made to exploit the
potential of haploids in breeding of perennial monocots such as palms. The present paper discusses various developments in haploid breeding with respect to economically important palm species.

Keywords: Haploids, Oil Palm, Date Palm, Coconut, Breeding