Effects of simulated acid rain on pollen germination and pollen tube growth of white spruce (Picea glauca)

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Abstract
The effects of simulated rain of pH 2.6 to 5.6 on pollen germination and pollen tube growth were studied in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.) under three temperature regimes. Results indicate that little or no adverse effects were produced on germination and pollen tube growth by acid rain of pH above 3.6 during release or germination. However, rain of equal to or less than pH3.6 reduced germination by up to 30% in pollen washed with acid rain and germinated on normal agar medium. Germination was reduced further and pollen tube growth strongly inhibited in pollen germinated on agar medium prepared with acid rain of equal to or less than pH 3.6.