An investigation on the pollen germination and tube growth in some Prunus persica genotypes and cultivars

Abstract

Peaches and nectarines (Prunus persica) are stone fruit trees which their pistils needed to be pollinated and fertilized to set fruits therefore; pollen characteristics including pollen viability, longevity, morphological homogeneity, germination and pollen tube growth rate are very important component of fertilization and fruit setting. However, study of main pollen traits is one of the most important approaches for growers and breeders. In this research, main pollen characteristics including germination, tube growth and longevity were investigated in some favorable selected genotypes and cultivars of peach and nectarine. Pollen traits of 5 genotypes and 10 cultivars were studied after two month maintenance in -200°C using the in vitro medium containing 14% sucrose and 1.2% agar. Results shows that in all of the studied characteristics, significant differences were observed among cultivars and genotypes. However, genotypes and cultivars with good quantitative and qualitative pollen traits were selected for peach and nectarine orchard establishment and breeding programs in Iran. Key words: Peach, nectarine, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, viability, invitro.