Effects of various carbohydrates on the in vitro pollen germination of Vinca rosea and Cucumis melo var. utilissimus

Abstract

Pollen germination is crucial for the process of plant development which strongly depends on the presence of carbohydrates as a primary source of energy. In this study, we analyzed the differential effects of four sugars with varying concentrations on the pollen germination of Vinca rosea Linn. and Cucumis melo var. utilissimus (Duth. & Fuller) using Brewbaker and Kwacks medium as germination medium and hanging drop method after an incubation period of 1 hour. Sucrose and glucose supported the pollen germination but galactose and fructose did not support and even considerably inhibited the pollen germination of Vinca rosea. However in pollen germination of Cucumis melo var. utilissimus, all the four sugars supported the pollen germination. The study suggests that 15% sucrose, for Vinca rosea, and 12% galactose, for Cucumis melo var. utilissimus, supports in achieving the highest pollen germination percentage when added to the pollen germination medium.