Cryopreservation of Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) Pollen

Abstract

Santalum album L. (Santalaceae) occupies a prime position in Indian forestry and has been rated as the most precious and valuable tree. For successful conservation of sandalwood germplasm, a detailed knowledge on reproductive biology is required. Pollen cryopreservation of sandalwood was attempted in view of long-term conservation of genetic resources. Before cryopreservation, the in vitro viability and fertility assessments of freshly collected pollen were done after desiccation for 1 h in zeolite beads. Modified Brewbaker and Kwack (1963) medium which was prepared by using following protocol. The bas medium constituted of sucrose (10%) supplemented with boric acid (300 ppm), calcium nitrate (100 ppm) and magnesium sulfate (300 ppm) was used for pollen germination. The concentrations were altered based on the response of pollen germination percentage (%). The germination percentage of fresh pollen was recorded to be 84.50% after 4 h of incubation. The dried anthers with pollen were packed in butter paper covers enclosed in sealed aluminum pouches which were rapidly plunged into the cryobiological system containing liquid nitrogen. Post-cryopreservation assessments (after 1 month of cryopreservation) were done to check viability and fertility status of cryopreserved pollen. The results indicated that there was no reduction in the germination percent (84.20%) of cryopreserved pollen when compared to fresh desiccated pollen (84.50%). The materials used and procedures followed in the development of protocol are discussed in detail in this chapter.