Studies on Pollen Fertility and in vitro Pollen Germination in Medium duration Genotypes of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (Millsp.) L.)

Author: Pavithran P. and Indira Petchiammal K.

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Abstract

Pollen is like any living organism and depicts a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants, as viable pollens are necessary for sexual reproduction in plants. The quality of pollen is assessed based on viability and vigour. Viability refers to the ability of the pollen to deliver functional sperm cells to the embryo sac following compatible pollination. The quality of the pollen should always be studied under defined conditions as the behavior and survival of the pollen grains are easily altered by the genotype and environmental conditions. A complete knowledge on pollen viability will help in proper understanding of pollination and fertilization in plants. Bearing this in mind, the present study investigated thirty genotypes for Pollen fertility and pollen germination. The highest mean performance for percentage of pollen fertility was recorded by KUPL20010 (95%) followed by KUPL19012 (93%), Co5 (93%), KUPL20011 (92%). The above-mentioned genotypes can be utilized as parents for hybridization programmes for developing high-yielding varieties. The lowest performers of these traits are KUPL20007 (42%), KUPL20005 (53%), KUPL20003(57%) and KUPL20026 (58%) can further be utilized to develop male sterile parents which can be used in large scale hybrid development programmes. The lowest mean performance for pollen germination were recorded by KUPL20017 (10.46%) followed by KUPL20024 (21.00%) and KUPL20019 (23.22).

Keywords

Pigeonpea, redgram, Pollen fertility, Aceto-carmine, Pollen viability

Conclusion

Pigeonpea being a mysterious crop among the pulses by its unexploitable genomes, baffling modes of pollination and inexplicable breeding behaviours. Further in-depth exploitation into its floral biology may provide some scope for developing high-yielding varieties and hybrids. Testing the viability of pollen through in-vitro pollen germination is a dependable approach. The outcomes of this study revealed that the lines KUPL20010, KUPL20012, and KUPL20011 can be utilized as parents for hybridization programmes for developing high-yielding varieties. Genotypes KUPL20007, KUPL20005, KUPL20003 and KUPL20026 can further be utilized to develop male sterile parents which can be used in large-scale hybrid development programmes. The other lines KUPL20017, KUPL20024 and KUPL20019 can be utilized as experimental materials to further exploit Self Incompatibility. Since there is a dearth of information regarding pigeonpea pollen characteristics, this study serves as a valuable reference for breeders seeking to create robust strains of pigeonpea with superior productivity and resistance to diseases and pests.

References

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How to cite this article

Pavithran P. and Indira Petchiammal K. (2023). Studies on Pollen Fertility and in vitro Pollen Germination in Medium duration Genotypes of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (Millsp.) L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 928-932.