Germination and Storage of Pollen of Phytolacca dodecandra L. (endod)

The effect of sucrose, H2BO3, KNO3, Ca(NO2)2.4H2O and MgSO4. 7H2O on pollen germination of Phytolacca dodecandra L. (endod) in a liquid medium was investigated. Sucrose and H3BO3 were critical to pollen germination. A concentration of 10% sucrose and 161.8 μm H2BO3 gave over 70% germination. The germination of pollen was not enhanced by Ca(NO3)2.4H2O, KNO3 and MgSO4.7H2O. Endod pollen was dehydrated over CaCl2 and stored in gelatin capsules in cryogenic vials at −175 °C, 1±1 °C and 24±2 °C. The pollen moisture content at collection was approx. 7.8% (f. wt basis) and dehydration over CaCl2 reduced it to about 1.4%. Pollen stored at 1±1 °C and −175 °C maintained viability for over 6 months. Pollen stored at room temperature lost viability within 4 weeks of storage. Pollination with cryopreserved pollen resulted in normal fruit set.