Temporary Mounts for Pollen Abortion Determinations

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Abstract
Two methods of preparing temporary maize pollen mounts are described. These have been designated as the “agar” method and the “Karo” method, respectively. It is possible with either method to obtain reasonably homogeneous mixtures of normal and aborted pollen grains evenly distributed on microscope slides. In both methods the pollen is prestained, while still in the anther, in a concentrated solution of I2KI. The anther is then transferred to a drop of the medium on a slide and dissected. Following forcing out of the pollen grains and removal of anther debris, the drop is stirred to effectively distribute the two types of pollen grains. In the agar method, a small drop of a hot 1% aqueous agar suspension is placed on a previously-warmed slide. The drop is spread into a film and stirring is continued until the medium has become sufficiently firm to retain the pollen grains in place. A slight pressure on the cover glass results in a uniformly thin film. Colorless Karo, either pure or slightly diluted with water, is the mounting medium in the second method. The drop of medium should be of such size that when the cover slip is applied the medium (and not the larger pollen grains) will support the cover slip. Following stirring, the cover slip is dropped from a horizontal position onto the drop. The completed slide must be kept in a level position until used.
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