Studies on the fertility of artificial poliploid plants II. Germination tests of stored pollen grains of Capsicum annuum L..

Abstract

Germination tests of stored pollen grains of Capsicum annuum L. on the artificial media (1.5% agar +0.3Mol sucrose, pH. 5.2) were carried out using diploids and autotetraploids induced by colchicine treatment. The results were as follows. (a). Pollen fertility in 2x (70-95%) is about 10-20% higher than that in corresponding 4x. (b). Germintion percentage of stored pollen grains in 2x is always higher than that in 4cc. The germination power is observed to be lost in about 72 hours in 2x and in 48 hours in 4x. (c). The pollen-tubes in 4x often show deformity as forked or swollen, so that the germination percentage of pollen grains with normal pollen-tubes is below 20% in 4x, while it is above 40% in 2x. (d). The growth of pollen-tubes in 2x is faster than in 4x.