Pollen viability of some Populus species as indicated by in vitro pollen germination and tetrazolium chloride staining

Abstract

The viability of pollen of Populus deltoides, P. maximowiczii, and P. nigra was assessed by in vitro germination and by use of 0.5% 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining techniques. An agar medium with 10% sucrose resulted in maximum germination of P. deltoides and P. nigra pollen, while the medium with 20% sucrose was a optimal fo P. maximowiczii. Pollen staining in TTC for 1 h at 30 °C gave a good indication of pollen viability as determined by germination and seed set in poplar breeding programs. Significant differences in viability were observed among species, but not among clones and replications.