Long-term storage of pearl millet pollen

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Abstract
Long-term pollen storage can make a research program more efficient by making pollen available on an as-needed basis. The purpose of this research was to develop a practical method for long-term pollen storage of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke). Pollen with 7 percent or less moisture continued to be viable after 1089 days of storage at −73°C. At −18°C, viability of pollen (6 percent or less moisture) has been maintained for 461 days, while viability of 8 percent or less moisture pollen has been maintained for 816 days at 5°C. In general, pollen with less than 7 percent moisture at storage time was the most favorable for maintaining long-term viability at storage temperatures of −73°C, −18°C, and 5°C. Plastic ziplock bags and glass vials were both effective for storing pollen at −73°C but the pollen in plastic bags gained moisture at −18°C and 5°C, which shortened maintenance of pollen viability. Pollen also was effectively stored in the original glassine collection bags if the pollen was first dried in the bags and the glassine bags were folded and placed in zip-lock plastic bags. Data indicated that storage temperatures of −73°C, −18°C, and 5°C were all effective for maintaining pollen viability if the original desirable pollen moisture content was maintained in air-tight containers such as glass vials.

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