Cryopreservation of pollen

Abstract

Cryopreservation of pollen is required for carrying out investigations in both fundamental and applied aspects of pollen biology. Besides the already existing role of pollen cryobanks in breeding, there are many promising applications which have come to focus with the recent advances in allied bio-scientific areas. Crossing desirable genotypes involves multiple and staggered plantings in order to synchronize flowering. This can be avoided when cryopreserved viable pollen is available, facilitating hybrids between genera, species and genotypes. This could effectively conserve field and greenhouse space. The international transfer of germplasm in the form of dry pollen is not generally restricted (Hoekstra 1995). Moreover, this will eliminate the need to grow plant populations to produce pollen. Pollen is usually subjected to less stringent quarantine restrictions. The importance of pollen cryopreservation in horticultural species is well documented (Ganeshan and Rajasekharan 2000a; Kobayashi et al. 1978).