This review surveys recent developments in the use of male gametes for the genetic improvement of cereals. It focuses mainly on the production of doubled haploids and their use in breeding programmes but also discusses gametoclonal variaton, in vitro selection through anther or pollen culture, and genetic transformation using the pollen tube as a vehicle for foreign DNA.Key words: male gamete, haploids, doubled haploids, cereals, gametoclonal variation, in vitro selection, pollen-mediated genetic transformation.