IN VITRO POLLEN GERMINATION CAPACITY OF CITRULLUS LANATUS L., (CUCURBITACEAE)

Abstract

Pollen germination capacity of Citrullus lanatus L., (Cucurbitaceae) in “hanging drop” technique was evaluated up to 48 weeks. The collected pollen were stored at different temperatures (4ºC, -20ºC, -30C and -60ºC). The pollen were also treated in organic solvents (acetone, benzene & chloroform), in vacuum over silica gel and in freeze dryer (-60ºC) for 30 minutes. The study indicates that low temperature is far better than high temperature with respect to pollen germination capacity and viability. In organic solvents benzene showed better results as compared to vacuum dried pollen. Freeze dryer (-60ºC) seems to be the best method to store pollen grains for a long period of time.