Pollen Viability an Index of Abiotic Stresses Tolerance and Methods for the Improved Pollen Viability

Abstract

Pollen represents the substantial stage in plants and fertile pollen are important for proficient plant reproduction. Abiotic stresses reduce the photosynthates production, thus genotypes also reduce the reserve mobilization for tapetum cells which induce the significant reduction in pollen fertility. Therefore, pollen fertility index can be exploited to discriminate resistant and susceptible genotypes under abiotic stresses. High heritability in the segregating generation warrants good selection response. Moreover, magnitude and type of genetic variation associated with pollen viability also important in improving the trait and breeding procedures to be adapted for the improvement of trait per se. Genetic studies results under heat stress in sunflower showed additive to partial dominance towards higher pollen viability in the inheritance showing that trait can be improved through selection in segregating generations. In this review, we have mainly considered the effect of abiotic stresses on pollen viability, selection and methods for the improved pollen viability and the management of heat stress.