The pollination mechanism and the optimal time of pollination in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii)

Abstract

The development of the pollination mechanism and the engulfment of pollen by the stigmatic tip is described for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) based on scanning electron microscopy. This information is used to determine and explain the optimal time of pollination and amount of pollen needed for maximum seed set. After dormancy the integument tip of the ovule developed into an unequally two-lobed stigmatic tip covered with long unicellular hairs. Most ovules had fully developed stigmatic tips when the seed cone emerged from the bud scales in early April. The conelets remained open and the stigmatic tip was most receptive for at least 4 days. Pollen freely sifted down between the bracts and ovuliferous scales and adhered to the stigmatic hairs. Six days after the conelets became receptive, stigmatic hairs around the micropyle began to collapse and were ungulfed with the entangled pollen into the micropyle. Also, ovuliferous scales began to thicken, restricting movement of pollen to the stigmatic tips. By 8–10 days after conelets became receptive, the stigmatic tips were completely engulfed, the ovuliferous scales had thickened enough to close the conelet, and the conelet had begun to bend down.Maximum seed set occurred when (1) cones were pollinated within 4 days after seed-cone buds had emerged half of the way out of their bud scales; (2) a minimum of 0.2 g of pollen was used per pollination bag; (3) a minimum of 11 pollen grains adhered to each stigmatic tip; and (4) at least 3 pollen grains were taken into each micropylar canal. The engulfing process occurred at the same rate and in the same manner regardless of whether living or heat-killed pollen was present or absent on the stigmatic surface. Poor seed set as it related to the pollination mechanism is discussed.