Anther culture represents the production of haploid plants from pollen grains. Embryo like structure called embryoid were formed from anther culture of Datura innoxia by Guha and Maheswari (1964). It is highly useful for immediate expression of mutations and quick formation of pure lines.
i. Anthers are introduced over culture medium within 4-6 weeks each anther gives rise to either a number of haploid embryoids from its haploid pollen or a haploid callus from which shoot regenerate. In many plant species, haploids can also be produced by culturing unfertilized ovaries or ovules.
ii. Gynogenic haploids are produced by using unfertilised ovules.
iii. Haploids are completely sterile and of no direct value. They are useful as that homozygous inbred lines can be rapidly and readily achieved through them. There are helpful in detection of mutations in haploids because of presence of single set of chromosomes.
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iv. Haploid culture method is useful in reshuffling of alleles. For this two pure breeding plants (e.g., AA and aa) are allowed to hybridise and the anthers of hybrid are used to develop haploids which are converted into homozygous diploids by colchicine treatment. Superior lines are selected for further breeding.