Abstract
An in vitro germination method was used to study variation in pollen viability, that is pollen-tube growth rate together with germination percentage, among the Picea abies genotypes in a seed orchard. The method permits easy, rapid screening of large numbers of genotypes. Significant variation in pollen viability among the genotypes was evident, the differences among the pollen-lot means being 7–10–fold in different years. No correlation was found between the average pollen viability and the phenology, growth or growing-site characteristics of the pollen donors. However, there appeared to be pollen lots that either benefit from a higher germination temperature or else germinate faster at lower temperatures. The significant variation in pollen viability among the pollen donors indicates a potential for male gametophyte competition. This, together with the observed genotype-environment interactions in pollen performance, may contribute to the variable genetic composition of seed produced in the seed orchard.
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Received: 9 December 1999 / Accepted: 22 December 1999
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Nikkanen, T., Aronen, T., Häggman, H. et al. Variation in pollen viability among Picea abies genotypes – potential for unequal paternal success. Theor Appl Genet 101, 511–518 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001220051510
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001220051510