One variety each of Gossypium hirsutum and G. arboreum were taken to study pollen fertility, pollen germination and pollen tube behaviour in inter-specific crosses, to determine if any abnormality in these is the cause of reduced crossability. There was not much difference in pollen sterility between different species. Pollen germination and pollen tube growth were more in selfing as compared to the crosses. Swelling of the pollen tube at the tip and other abnormalities were also recorded. Seed set in crosses was positively correlated with faster pollen tube growth but negatively correlated with abnormal pollen tubes.
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