A simple method for preserving pollen viability and longevity in wheat

Abstract Wheat pollen grains have very short longevity and are non-viable after ~30 minute at room temperature and ~60 minutes at 4°C. Pollen grain viability can be prolonged to ~24 hrs with existing anther preservation methods. Herein, we developed a new and very simple method of spike preservation to prolong pollen viability up to 1 week. The present study was evaluated to determine the effect of storage temperature and duration on the viability and in vitro germination of pollen grains of 50 spring wheat genotypes from two preservation methods of pollens viz, Anther preservation method and Spike preservation method. Pollens collected from both methods were stored at room temperature (22°C), fridge (4°C) for 0 and 1 week. Pollen viability were assessed using Alexander staining techniques with both methods at storage conditions 22°C and 4°C. In vitro germination was determined using liquid germination medium with both methods at 4°C. The results revealed that the pollen viability and in vitro germination as determined by Spike preservation method was highest when pollens were stored at 4°C up to 1 week. In addition, in vitro pollen germination and pollen viability significantly reduced as storage duration increased. It was recorded, that no pollen germination was observed under anther preservation method at storage conditions 4°C after 1 week while 2 to 14% pollen germination was obtained by spike preservation method only at 4°C up to 1 week. Based on these results, it is suggested that a storage temperature of 4°C by Spike preservation method for wheat pollen storage is good. The present study would be useful to develop a protocol for the storage of pollen for further use in the conservation and breeding of wheat.