Germination of Verticordia Pollen After Storage at Different Temperatures

Abstract

Longevity of Verticordia pollen was assessed to develop the technology necessary to allow hybridisation of species that flower in different seasons. Pollen, either attached to the stigmatic pollen presenter or within the anther, was desiccated and stored at temperatures from ambient to -196°C. Verticordia pollen retained 75-80% viability at -196°C, and even when stored at room temperature for 6 months maintained a viability of 50%.