An investigation on in vitro pollen germination and tube development of Jacquinia ruscifolia Jacq

Abstract

Pollen grains are prerequisite for pollination, fertilization as well as fruit and seed set and play a vital role in plant reproduction as it transmit the male genetic materials. Germination is the first critical morphogenetic event in the pollen towards fulfilling its ultimate function of discharge of male gametes in the embryo sac. The present investigation has been undertaken to find out the effect of different nutrients like sucrose, boric acid and some salts like calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate and magnesium sulphate on in vitro pollen germination of Jacquinia ruscifolia Jacq. belonging to the family Theophrastaceae. Maximum 92% pollen germination along with 455 m pollen tube development was observed in 20 % sucrose solution supplemented with 100 ppmboric acid and among the salts; maximum 12% pollen germination along with 182m pollen tube development was observed in 100 ppm calcium nitrate solution. Flowers collected during anthesis (08:00 hrs.-09:30 hrs.) showed best germination.