Title: The success of<i>in vitro</i>embryo rescue technique in hybridization of seedless grape varieties
Abstract: In this study six seedless grape cultivars (Crimson Seedless, Sultan 7, Black Kishmish, Early Superior, White Kishmish and Sultana) were hybridized to evaluate the effects of genotype and sampling time on embryo survival. After 7, 8, 9 and 10 weeks after hybridization ovules were excised and cultured on E20A solid medium with PVP. Embryos were rescued 12 weeks after ovule inoculation. The percentage of embryos and transplantable plants were recorded. The highest percentage of embryo (64 %) was obtained from Crimson Seedless × Sultan 7 combination, while Sultan 7 × Black Kishmish combination gave the lowest (1%). The ovule excision time and genotype were important for the success of embryo viability. 243 plantlets were obtained from a total of 845 cultured ovules, from which 98 plantlets were transferred to acclimatization environment.