In Vitro Germination of Avocado Pollen

Abstract

Avocado pollen was germinated in vitro without recourse to germination on the style. The technique employed involved inclusion of pollen grains in liquid medium of 15% sucrose and minerals and application of 1 or 2 drops on 1% agar plus 15% sucrose and minerals. No germination was obtained on agar plus sucrose without placement of pollen in liquid first. Of the cultivars tested, ‘Ettinger’ and ‘Nabal’ pollen germinated best, and ‘Fuerte’ was the poorest. The optimum temperature for germination was 25° to 27°C. Addition of Ca to the liquid proved beneficial.