Effect of Some Nutrients on In Vitro Pollen Germination of Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal

Abstract

The present investigation reveals the effect of different nutrients like sucrose, boric acid at various concentrations separately and in combinations and salts of Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium on in vitro pollen germination of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, a medicinally important plant belonging to the family of Solanaceae, to know the pollen viability and optimum nutrient requirements for in vitro pollen germination. Flowers start to open in the morning at 07.30 hrs.- 08.30hrs., after which anther dehiscence take place. Maximum 75% pollen germination along with 455mm pollen tube development was observed in 15% sucrose solution supplemented with 50 ppm boric acid and among the salts; maximum 56% pollen germination along with 316mm pollen tube was observed in 100 ppm Potassium nitrate solution. Pollen grains which were collected in the morning (08.30-09.30hrs.) showed best results.