ISHS Acta Horticulturae 681: IV International Congress on Artichoke
ESTABLISHMENT OF A GERMINATION MEDIUM FOR ARTICHOKE POLLEN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH SEED PRODUCTION |
| Authors: | C. Bernal, G. Palomares, I. Susín |
| Keywords: | Cynara scolymus, fertility, in vitro pollen germination, staining, seed set. |
| Abstract:
Pollen fertility was estimated by two methods: “in vitro germination” and “acetic carmine staining” in six clones belonging to Tudela, Camus, Violet Provence, Spinoso Sardo, Molese and Green Globe families. In order to study the pollen germination, a factorial design with replications was made. Considered factors were: sucrose content (25, 30 and 35%), nutrient presence or absence (boric acid and calcium nitrate), with or without pollen hydration, and two incubation temperatures over 24 hours (20 and 28ºC). Results were measured as fertile grains percentage for both methods. Net and per surface unit “seed production” in the same clones was measured after self-pollination and crossing with a common tester; hand pollination was carried out in both cases. Results after ANOVA analysis for germination percentage revealed the non-existence of any kind of interaction between the considered factors, and the presence of significant differences for genotypes, sucrose and nutrients. Factor levels that maximized the germination percentages (between 5.5 and 19.6% depending on genotypes) corresponded to: sucrose 35% and presence of nutrients. In relation to “acetic carmine staining” pollen percentages considered fertile (between 54 and 98%) were much higher than percentages originating in germination assay; significant differences between genotypes were not found. “Seed production” after self-pollination was significantly higher than after cross-pollination. Primary produced the same as secondary heads, and two pollen applications more than only one. Correlations between “in vitro germination”, “staining” and “seed production” were estimated; the highest values were found between germination and seed production (ranging between 0.61 ± 0.25 and 0.84 ± 0.13); medium values between germination and staining (0.52 ± 0.15); and no statistical significance between staining and seed production. Therefore in vitro pollen germination analysis is a suitable method for studying male fertility, and probably a good estimate for seed production in crosses. | |
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