Medium and long term storage ofAnigozanthos manglesii(D. Don) pollen

Abstract

Abstract The viability of kangaroo paw pollen (Anigozanthos manglesii) was estimated by germination in vitro and by fluorescence and the more reliable method was then used to assess the effect of storage conditions on pollen longevity. Pollen germination was more accurate than staining for pollen of low and intermediate viability levels. Effective storage could be achieved in a number of ways depending on the duration required. Dehydrated pollen retained viability longer in storage than did hydrated pollen. Pollen from intact anthers could be stored for up to 5 weeks at room temperature with 50% or better germination provided it was stored on silica gel. Pollen isolated from anthers and stored at 2°C had reduced viability in comparison with that stored at room temperature or at ‐80°C. Pollen stored at ‐196°C lost only 5% viability after 20 weeks and presumably this would be the most suitable method for long term storage for breeding or conservation purposes.