Hydration and Temperature Influence in Vitro Germination of Pecan Pollen

Abstract
In vitro germination of freshly collected pollen from pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch) was examined following exposure to relative humidities (RH) of ≈5%, 50%, and 97% and temperatures of 25, 35, and 45C in a factorial experiment. Maximum germination percentage occurred as RH increased and temperature decreased. Pecan pollen stored for nearly 2 years at −80C and −196C, but not −10C, retained germination capacity equal to freshly collected pollen if stored pollen was given a period of controlled rehydration before in vitro assay for pollen tube formation. Differences in germination of pollen stored at −10C and −196C were substantiated with the fluorochromatic test procedure as well as light microscopy. Pollen removed from storage at −196C and left at ambient laboratory conditions for 59 days retained the capacity for in vitro germination.

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