Phalaenopsis pollinia storage at sub-zero temperature and its pollen viability assessment

摘要

BackgroundIn a breeding program, usually only superior parents are chosen for cross hybridization. Pollens of elite cultivars may not be available at hand. Properly stored pollens provide an opportunity for cross hybridization at unavailable time. ResultsPollen of a Phalaenopsis hybrid was evaluated for the storage ability at different temperatures, including room temperature, 4, ??20, and ??80?°C for up to 96?weeks. The viability of pollen was assessed by TTC staining, in vitro germination and hand pollination during and after storage. Pollen stored at all temperatures for 4?weeks remained viable and capable of successful pollination. Pollen lost its viability after 4?weeks at room temperature. Pollen remains viable after 40?weeks at 4?°C, and after 96?weeks at both ??20 and ??80?°C of storage. Viable pollen could be successfully pollinated to the female parent at all effective storage conditions and produced seeds. ConclusionsOur results indicate that Phalaenopsis pollen can be stored at 4?°C up to 40?weeks for short-term purpose. For long-term storage, pollen can be kept at both ??20 and ?80?°C.