Pollen performance in mango (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae): Andromonoecy and effect of temperature

Abstract

Previous studies in mango (Mangifera indica) had reported how low pollen viability can reduce yields. In this work, an improved in vitro pollen germination method for mango is used to assess germination range at different environmental conditions. Since mango is an andromonoecious species, pollen performance was studied in hermaphrodite and male flowers. The results showed a similar number of pollen grains per anther and pollen viability and germination between the two mango flower morphs. Pollen germination was also studied at different temperature conditions, and results showed that percentage of pollen germination improved along the flowering season with increasing temperatures. Pollen germination at controlled temperatures slowed down at low temperatures. Differences were found between genotypes in pollen behavior at different temperatures opening the possibility of selecting mango genotypes with pollen more adapted to cold temperatures, especially for subtropical conditions.