Influence of Pollen Germination Capacity on a Successful Artificial Hybridization in Cyclamen sp

Abstract

The artificial hybridization is one of the most important methods to create variability in breeding programs. The success of artificial hybridization very often depends on the fertility of pollen grains which require a minimum 30% germination level. The aim of the present study was to identify the correlation between the level of pollen grain fertility and success of hybridization in several cyclamen cultivars. There were taken under study seven cultivars of Cyclamen sp. very different from phenotypic point of view (maxi, midi, mini). In the first step it was determinated the germination capacity of pollen grains trough viability and germinability percentage and the correlation between these two determinations. The results show a higher ratio of viability then germinability in all cultivars. The best results of artificial hybridization were registered in hybrid combinations in which there were used cultivars with the highest percentage of pollen fertility. Out of seven cyclamen cultivars tested in 18 hybrid combinations, three cultivars showed the highest level of fertility when used as male genitor (Curly White; Curly Magenta Picotee and Allure Salmon Flamed)for a further study on phenol biodegradation especially areas with phenol contamination containing some heavy metals.