The biological value of pollen of some blackcurrantcultivars (Ribes nigrum L.)

Abstract

The studies were carried out in 1994-1997. The experimental bushes were grown in Puławy. Eight cultivars were examined ('Ben Alder', 'Ben Lomond', 'Ben Nevis', 'Ben Tirran', 'Ceres', 'Ojebyn', 'Titania', 'Triton'). Pollen grains viability was estimated in acetocarmine slides, while germination ability was estimated on agar medium. All cultivars showed high viability (80-100%). Weather conditions (especially temperatures at the time of blooming) had significant influence on germination ability. In colder years, only 10-40% of pollen produced pollen tubes, while in warmer years 50-80%. The biological value of blackcurrant pollen grains can be more effectively estimated on the basis of their ability to form pollen tubes than their viability.