Responses of tobacco pollen to high humidity and heat stress: viability and germinability in vitro and in vivo

Summary Responses of pollen grains of Nicotiana tabacum to high humidity (95% RH, 4 h) and temperature (38°/45° C, 4 h) stresses were investigated. Pollen grains were subjected to only RH or only temperature, or to both of these stresses. Their viability was assessed on the basis of the fluorochromatic reaction (FCR) test, and vigour was assessed on the basis of the time taken for in vitro germination as well as on the emergence of pollen tubes through the cut end of semi-vivo implanted styles. None of the stress conditions affected pollen viability and high RH or high temperature stress did not individually affect pollen vigour. However, pollen vigour was markedly affected when both the stresses were given together. Pollen grains subjected to high RH at 38° C took a longer time to germinate in vitro and the pollen tubes emerged later from the cut end of the semi-vivo styles; division of the generative cell was also delayed. Pollen grains subjected to high RH at 45° C failed to germinate in vitro, but did germinate on the stigma. Many pollen tubes subjected to this treatment showed abnormalities, and the growth of pollen tubes in the pistil was much slower than that observed in other treatments. Pollen samples subjected to all of the stress conditions were able to induce fruit and seed set. The implications of these results on the relationship between the FCR test and viability, and between viability and vigour, especially in stressed pollen, are discussed.