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GERMINATION CAPACITY OF STORED POLLEN OF SOLANUM MELONGENA L., (SOLANACEAE) AND THEIR MAINTENANCE

SHAUKAT ALI KHAN AND ANJUM PERVEEN

Abstract: Present investigations pertain to germination and viability of Solanum melongena L., (Solanaceae) pollens up to 48 weeks. Pollen germination was made by the hanging drop technique in different concentration of sucrose and boric acid solutions (10%-100%). Viability under storage was determined by storing pollen in different conditions, like refrigerator, freezer, in vacuum over silica gel and in organic solvents (Acetone, Benzene, and Choloroform). Pollen stored at low temperature (-30°C, -20°C) showed better germination percentage compared to pollen stored at +4°C and fresh. Freeze dried pollen (-60°C) showed the best of germination. The study indicates that 30% and 40% solutions favoured pollen germination. Benzene showed more germination than acetone and chloroform.

Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.