[Objective] The aim was to observe embryogenesis and development of isolated microspores in Chinese cabbage. [Method] Chinese cabbage F 1 hybrids were used as the experimental materials, and optical microspore was employed to observe the embryogenesis and development of isolated microspores. [Result] Cells swelled after heat shock treatment, which was the critical factor of embryoid induction. Three pathways equal division, unequal division and germination of microspores were discovered to lead to the embryogenesis from isolated microspores after swelling. Microspore could grow directly to embryoid through germination path way. Equally divided microspores formed the original embryos after successive multiple equal divisions. Original embryos could develop into cotyledon-shaped embryos via globular, heart-shaped and torpedo-shaped embryos. The large one of the two cells from unequally divided microspores continued to divide and finally formed a polar embryoid. [Conclusion] The study will provide cytological basis for high induction frequency and embryoid of Chinese cabbage.
